
Glass _ 



E(o^i^ 



M^^^Msph: 



60th Congress] HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 1^^"^^^ ,' 
2d Session I I INo. 1517 





. , 2^ . 


!ii 


/. 


A 


DOLPH 


M 


EVER 






(Late a Representative 


:rom Louisiana) 





MEMORIAL ADDRESSES 



Sixtieth Congress 
First and Second Sessions 



HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 

May 10, 1908 



SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES 
February 27, 1909 



Compiled under the direction of the Joint Committee on Printing 



WASHINGTON : : GOVERNMENT PRINTING OFFICE : : 1909 



n. Of n. 

"" SI ^' 



TABLE OF CONTENTS. 



Proceedings in the House r 

Prayer by Rev. Henr>' N. Couden, D. D ^^-j 

Memorial addresses by — 

Mr. Ransdell, of Louisiana o 

Mr. Foss, of Illinois j5 

Mr. Clark, of Missouri 21 

Mr. Broussard, of Louisiana 24 

Mr. Kahn, of California 28 

Mr. Pujo, of Louisiana ,j 

Mr. Padgett, of Tennessee ,c 

Mr. Olcott, of Xew York 40 

Mr. Lamb, of Virginia 42 

Mr. Spight, of Mississippi ■ . >„ 

Mr. Watkins, of Louisiana ^2 

Proceedings in the Senate -, 

Prayer by Rev. Edward E. Hale ^g 

Memorial addresses by — 

Mr. McEner\-, of Louisiana. 60 

Mr. Clapp, of Minnesota. 66 

Mr. Perkins, of California ._ 68 

Mr. Gallinger, of New Hampshire _ . y, 

Mr. Foster, of Louisiana _ -6 




KCH. ADQLPH ME" 



Death of Hon. Adolph Meyer 



PROCEEDINGS IN THE HOUSE 

Monday, March g, n)o8. 

Thf Housi- nut at 12 o'clock ni. 

The Chaplain, Rev. Henry N. Couden, D. D., offered the 
following prayer: 

Our Father in heaven, once more under the dispensation of 
Thv providence we are brought face to face with that mystery 
of mysteries which we call death, in the removal of a Member 
of this legislative body who for many years ser\'ed with dis- 
tinction in his fideUty to duty as a statesman. 

We mourn him, but not as dead, since we have been taught to 
believe that in the Father's house are many mansions; that 
death is not an extinction of being, but the passing from one 
room to another. 

Be with his colleagues and friends, the bereaved wife and 
daughter to comfort and sustain them, that they may look for- 
ward with hope to a meeting under more favorable circum- 
stances, where the love tie shall never again be broken. "For 
I am persuaded that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor 
principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to 
come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature shall be 
able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus, 
our Ivord." Amen. 

Mr. R.'^NSDELi., of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, it is my painful 
duty to announce the death of my colleague. Gen. Adolph 

5 



6 Proceedings in the House 

Meyer. At some future time I will ask the House to designate 
a day when suitable addresses to his memory may be made. I 
now ask that this resolution which I have prepared be presented. 

The Speaker. The Clerk will report the resolution. 

The Clerk read as follows: 

Resolved, That the Ht)use has heard with profound regret of the death 
of Hon. Adolph Meyer, a Representative from the State of Louisiana. 

Resolved, That the Sergeant-at-Arms of the House be authorized and 
directed to pay the necessary expenses in connection with the funeral ul 
said Representative. 

Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to the Senate 
and transmit a copy thereof to the family of the deceased. 

Resolved, That as a further mark of respect the House do now adjourn. 

The Speaker. The question is on agreeing to the resolutions. 

The question was taken, and the resolutions were unani- 
mously agreed to. 

According!}' (at 12 o'clock and 12 minutes p. m.) the House 
adjourned. 

Wednesd.w, April 8, igo8. 

Mr. RansdELL, of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous 
consent for the present consideration of the following resolution, 
which 1 send to the Clerk's desk. 

The Clerk read as follows: 

Resolved, That the House of Representatives shall meet at 2 o'clock 
p. m., on Sunday, May 10, 1908, for the purpose of having eulogies on 
the life, character, and public services of the Hon. Adolph JIevEr, late 
a Representative in Congress from the First District of Louisiana. 

The resolution was agreed to. 

SATfRPAY, May Q, igoS. 

The Speaker. If there be no objection, the Clerk \vill read 

the order for to-morrow. 

The Clerk read as follows: 

On motion of Mr. Ransdell, of Louisiana, by unanimous consent, 
"Resolved, That the House of Representatives shall meet at 2 o'clock 
p. m. on Sunday, May 10, 1908, for the purpose of having eulogies on the 



Proceedings in the House 7 

life, character, and public services of the Hon. Adolph Meyer, laie a 
Representative in Congress from the First District of Louisiana." Reso- 
lution agreed to in the House April 8, iqoS."; 

The Speaker. The gentleman from Xtbraska [Mr. Pollard| 
is hereby designated to act as Speaker pro tempore to-morrow. 

Suxn.AV, May 10, iqoS. 

The House met at 2 o'clock p. m. and was called to order hv 
Mr. Pollard as Speaker pro tempore. 

The Chaplain, Rev. Henry N. Couden, D. D., offered the fol- 
lowing prayer: 

Our Father in heaven, center and source of all our longings, 
hopes, and aspirations, we gather here to-day in response to a 
jjure and holy desire which springs from the deeps of our being. 

Death has claimed for its own one who served for many years 
with distinction and fidelity his State and Nation upon the floor 
of this House and left behind him a memory which shall not 
fade while those who knew him shall live. 

We come to thank Thee for what he was and what he did, to 
recall the qualities of mind and heart which made him attract- 
ive and lovable, and we most ferv^ently pray that his life and 
character may be an inspiration to those who knew him and to 
those who shall come after us. We thank Thee that Thou dost 
live and reign; that love and affection, faith and hope, are 
innnortal. Comfort us all, especially those who were boinid to 
him bv the ties of kinshi]i — wife and daughter — hv the blessed 
promises of our Lord and Master, "and songs of prai'^es we 
will ever give to Thee," in His name. Amen. 

ilr. RansdELL, of Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, I offer the reso- 
lution which I send to the Clerk's desk. 

The Clerk read as follows : 

Resolved, That the business of the House be now suspended that oppor- 
tunity may be given for tributes to the memory of the Hon. Adolph 
Meyer, late a Member of this House from the State of Louisiana. 



8 Proceedings in the House 

Resolved, That, as a particular mark of respect to the memory of the 
deceased and in recognition of his distinguished public career, the House, 
at the conclusion of these exercises, shall stand adjourned. 

Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resolutions to the Senate. 

Resolved, That the Clerk send a copy of these resolutions to the family 
of the deceased. 

The resolutions were agreed to. 

Mr. Davey, of Louisiana, took the chair as Speaker pro 

tempore. 



Address of Mr. RansdcII, of Louisiana 



MEMORIAL ADDRESSES 



Address of Mr. Ransdell, of Louisiana 

Mr. Speaker: I rise to pay a tribute of respect to the mem- 
orv of my deceased colleague, Hon. Adolpii ^Ieyer, late a 
Representative in Congress from the First District of Louisi- 
ana, who died at New Orleans on the 8th of March, 1908, and 
is honored and momned by his State and nation. 

General Meyer was bom at Natchez, Miss., October 19, 1842, 
and spent his childhood in that State. He matriculated in the 
University of \'irginia, and before graduation left that famous 
training school of the South to enter the Confederate army 
in 1862. During the trying times of the greatest civil war the 
world has ever seen General Meyer played an active, honor- 
able part, serving on the staff of Brig. Gen. John S. Williams, 
of Kentucky, and holding the rank of adjutant-general when 
the war closed. In 1879 he was elected colonel of the First 
Regiment, Louisiana National Guard, and in 1881 was appointed 
by Governor Wiltz brigadier-general of the First Louisiana 
Brigade, embracing all the uniformed militia in the State. In 
connection with the organization of the State Militia his serv- 
ices were very efficient. 

At the outbreak of the Cuban war General Meyer was urged, 
on account of his military experience and ability, for a posi- 
tion as either brigadier or division commander of southern 
volunteers. The following was written by Gen. John S. Wil- 
liams, of Kentucky, upon whose staff General Meyer served: 

To the President. 

Your Excellency : I beg leave to recommend to your favorable con- 
sideration Mr. AiiOLPH Mever, of Louisiana, for position of division or 
brigade commander of southern volunteers. 



lo Memorial Addresses: Adolph Meyer 

Mr. Mever served on my staff during almost the entire civil war He 
was preeminent for soldierly qualities, the loftiest courage, fidelity, and 
endurance. In fact, he seemed a natural-born soldier and commanded 
the confidence and admiration of the entire command. 

I know of no young officer who manifested more military aptitude; 
his resourcefulness in emergencies and t|uickness to avail himself of every 
possible advantage and devotion to duty were unsurpassed. 

Mr. Meyer's experience in actual war has been supplemented by com- 
mand in the Louisiana Militia and National Guard. 

I know the appointment would be a good one and highly acceptable 
to the southern people. 

With sentiments of the highest regard, I am, 
Most respectfully, yours, 

John S. Williams, 
Brigadier-General, Afterwards Commanding Kentucky Division. 

May 2, 1908. 

At the close of the civil war General 1\Ieyer engaged largely 
in cotton planting on the Forest plantation, in Concordia Par- 
ish, La. Later he entered the cotton factorage and commission 
house of Meyer, Weis & Co., of New Orleans, and afterwards 
was a member of the big cotton firm of \'. & A. Mever, which 
went out of business some years ago. The other member of 
this firm was his twin brother, Victor. There was the deepest 
love and devotion between them, and the General was never 
the same after Victor's death two years ago. Indeed, another 
brother, Cassius, also died within three months of Victor, and 
the double loss was a crushing blow to one so fond of his fam- 
ily and so warm-hearted as the General. I could see how 
deeply he was affected and predicted at the time that he would 
not survive his beloved brothers many years. 

In the fall of 1868 General Mever married the beautiful and 
accomplished ^liss Rosalie Jonas, daughter of the late Abraham 
Jonas, of New Orleans, and sister of ex-United States Senator 
B. F. Jonas, who survives him. Their only child is a daughter, 
Mrs. Louise M. Swift, widow of the late Capt. I'ranklin Swift, 
of the United States Navy. Mrs. Meyer was very popular in 
congressional circles and entertained delightfully in her ele- 



Addiess of Mr. Riuisdell, oj Louisiana ii 

gant home on O street. While not much of a society man, Gen- 
eral Meyer was very fond of his friends, and nothing pleased 
him better than to have a small party of intimates around the 
hospitable board over which his cultured wife presided with 
such grace and dignity. 

In 1890 General Meyer was elected to the Fifty-second Con- 
gress, and was reelected every two )^ears since down to and 
including the term beginning in 1907. The Fifty-second Con- 
gress was the Democratic successor to Reed's "billion-dollar" 
Congress, and he has sen,-ed eight full and successive terms 
and one-half of the ninth, ranking eighth in length of ser\-ice, 
those older than he being Speaker Cannon, sixteen terms; 
Bingham, of Pennsylvania, fourteen; Payne, of Xew York, 
eleven; Dalzell, of Pennsylvania, and Hepburn, of Iowa, ten; 
and Sherman, of New York, nine. Representative Jones, of 
Virginia; De Armond, of Missouri, and Livingston, of Georgia, 
are the only other Democrats who entered the Fifty-second 
Congress with General ^Ieyer. 

Speaker Crisp assigned General ;\Ieyer to the Committee on 
Naval Affairs, and he has held an important place there ever 
since, serving under two distinguished Democratic chairmen, 
Hon. Hilary A. Herbert, of Alabama, who became Secretarv of 
the Navy during President Cleveland's administration, and 
Hon. Amos Cummings, of New^ York. His intimacv with these 
gentlemen and with Chairman Boutelle, of Maine, as well as 
with Mr. ]\Ietcalf, of California, who left the committee to 
reenter the Roosevelt Cabinet, and at length to become vSecre- 
tary of the Navy, together with the assistance given by Senator 
IMcEnery, on the Naval Affairs Committee of the Senate, ac- 
counts for his success in getting large appropriations for the 
New Orleans naval station. General Meyer made it his serious 
business on entering Congress to have a naval station erected 
on the reserve at Algiers, and to have a floating dry dock tied 



12 Memorial Addresses: Adolph Meyer 

up there for the accommodation of the heaviest battle ships. 
He lived to see these things accomplished, and was ever hope- 
ful of witnessing the construction ]ilant in full operation, either 
building or repairing battle ships. 

During his second term in Congress, the Fifty-third, Creneral 
Meyer held the chairmanship of the Committee on .MiHtia. 
Having had large experience in matters pertaining to the 
National Guard, vSpeaker Crisp picked him from among several 
to take charge of all militia bills that were introduced. 

The Fifty-fourth Congress being Republican, he lost this 
chairmanship, but was glad to trade his membership on Militia 
for a place on the District of Columbia, which gave him both 
social and political prestige in the city of Washington, where 
he subsequently purchased a home. These three are practically 
the only committee assignments which CTcneral Meyer cared to 
hold during his seventeen years in Congress. He was faithful 
in the performance of his duties and labored diligently in the 
interest not only of New Orleans, but of Louisiana in general. 

The services performed by General Meyer, while not notably 
brilliant, as one might speak of the services of Reed, Randall, 
and Carlisle, of recent years, or those famous statesmen. Clay, 
Calhoun, Hayne, and Webster, of an earlier period, were sub- 
stantial and will not soon be forgotten. He spoke occasionally, 
perhaps once or twice during a session of Congress, in behalf 
of some measure or committee report, but he never engaged in 
partisan debates, in bickerings over parliamentary rulings, or 
in the vaporings which have made some statesmen notorious, if 
not ridiculous, because their purpose was simply to make read- 
ing matter for their own districts. 

General Meyer spoke pleasingly and well, but he had not the 
voice that could be heard above the ordinary din of the House. 
His powers of conviction, therefore, lay in what was printed 
and read in the Record, rather than in what was heard on the 



Address of Mr. Rausdell, of Louisiana 13 

floor, and in his very ])ersuasive presentation of matters in 
personal intercourse and in committee rooms, where the real 
work is done. 

His work as a member of the Committee on Xa\al Affairs 
was of considerable importance. As he was the minority 
leader, he was always one of the conferees on the naval appro- 
priation bill to settle differences between the two Houses over 
amendments. In this position he occasionally fell the em- 
barrassment of acting contrary to the wishes of his party, as 
expressed on the floor, but he was a firm believer in the great 
advantage that is to be derived from the state of readiness 
for war and fearlessly supported every recommendation from 
the White House for more vessels, more stations, or more men. 

General Meyer's special pride was the naval station and dry 
dock in New Orleans, the largest in the South and equal to any 
in the country. The State owes this great work to the com- 
bined efforts of Senator McEnery and himself, ably seconded 
bv his New Orleans colleague. Judge Dave\-. He was abso- 
lutelv tireless in working for this station and never lost sight 
of it under any circumstances. 

He was an expert on naval matters, made many strong 
speeches oh that subject, and his loss will be keenly felt by 
the Naval Committee. 

He took most intelligent and active interest in the appro- 
priations for the levees of the Mississippi River, the 35-foot 
channel at Southwest Pass of the Mississippi, the New Orleans 
post-office, the maintenance of the New Orleans mint, the immi- 
gration station bill, and everything pertaining to Louisiana. 
Always at his post and always watchful, applying to his legis- 
lative work the fine business training and acumen acquired by 
his long commercial career, he was very successful in getting 
results and bore a prominent part in all legislation affecting his 
.Stale during the last seventeen years. One of his characteristics 



14 Memorial Addresses: Adolph Meyer 

was his care and attention to requests and suggestions from the 

people of Louisiana, whether residents of his district or not. 

All matters received his personal, prompt, and cheerful attention. 

His last public work, performed during the closing davs of 

the Fifty-ninth Congress, was to secure $25,000 for the Chal- 

mette monument. He had labored long and hard for this most 

worthy object, and was delighted when success finally crowned 

his efforts. In recognition of this service to our nation's historv, 

the Louisiana Historical .Society, at a meeting held April 15, 

passed the following resolution : 

New Orleans, Apn/ 75, ii)oS. 
To the members of tlw Louisiana II istorical Society: 

Your undersigned committee appointed at the meeting of March 18, 
1908, to draft suitable resolutions out of respect to the memory of our 
deceased member, Gen. Adolph Meyer, beg leave to report the following: 

■' Whereas Divine Providence has removed from our midst our fellow- 
member. Gen. Adolph Meyer, who died on March 8, 1908: Therefore be it 

"Resolved, That in the death of Gen. Adolph MevER this society lost 
one of its most zealous and valued members, whose wise counsel and 
advice were very beneficial to the society, and tended in a considerable 
degree to the success of our celebration of the one hundredth anniversary 
of the transfer of Louisiana from France to the United States, on Decem- 
ber 20, 1903: Be it further 

" Resolved, That by the death of General Meyer the State of Louisiana 
has lost a Memeber of Congress whose place will be hard to fill; that in 
the seventeen years of his service in the National House of Representa- 
tives he made a record of which anyone might be proud, and the great 
dock at New Orleans and the new post-office building, both of which 
w'ere obtained largely through his efforts, evince in a high degree the 
work he did and the influence he exerted in the halls of Congress; that 
his many and steady efforts to procure the completion of the Chalmette 
Monument on the battlefield of New Orleans, just below the city, were 
finally crowned with success, when on March 4, 1907, immediately before 
the adjournment of Congress, the President signed the bill making the 
necessary appropriation for the purpose; that this particular work was 
made by General Meyer a work of love, and it was, owing to his failing 
health, the last pubHc work in which he was engaged, and it is a source of 
deep regret to all that his life was not spared that he might see in the 
completion of the monument the culmination of his efforts: Be it further 

" Resolved, That in all walks of life, whether as citizen, soldier, or states- 
man, General Meyer measured -full to the responsibilities imposed upon 
him, and all in all we soon shall not see his like again : Be it further 



Address of Mr. Ra>isdel/, oj Louisiana 15 

"Resolved, That these resolutions he spread upon the minutes of the 
society upon a page specially devoted to that purpose; that an engrossed 
copy be sent to his bereaved wife and daughter, to whom our heartfelt 
sympathies are extended; that a copy be sent to his colleagues in Con- 
gress, with the retjuest that same be used when memorial services are had 
in his honor, and that copies be furnished to the press of this city and of 
Washington " 

Respectfully submitted. 

\V. O. Hart, Chairman. 

X. C. Bl,ANCHARD. 

H. M. Gill. 

Mr. Speaker, I was very fond of General Mever and deeply 
deplore his untimely death. He was only 65 years of age, and 
with his regular habits and good constitution ought to have 
lived many years longer. He was always affable, kind, and 
considerate; ever ready to accommodate a colleague, whether 
one of the leaders or the most obscure Member of the House. 
I frequently called on him during the early years of my ser\'ice, 
and never in vain. He was a methodical, careful business man; 
carried those qualities into his legislative work, and, knowing 
thoroughly what he was about, was able as well as willing to 
give efficient aid. In his death this House has lost one of its 
most useful Members, and it is not flattery to sav that Loui- 
siana will find it very difficult to fill his place. 

Long may the memory of Adolph Meyer live in these halls 
and in the State and nation he ser\-ed so well. I earnestly 
hope and believe that the good work done here by him entitles 
General Meyer to a happy and honorable position in his pres- 
ent home — that undiscovered country from whose bourne no 
traveler has ever returned. 



i6 Memorial Addresses: Adolph Meyer 



Address of Mr. Foss, of Llinois 

Mr. Speaker: The Committee on Naval Affairs, of which 
General MeyER was so long a member, at a meeting soon after his 
death unanimously adopted the following resolutions, which I 
will read : 

Whereas the Hon. Adouph Meyer, a Member of the House of Repre- 
sentatives from the State of Louisiana, and the oldest member in point of 
service on the Committee on Naval Affairs, died in the city of New Orleans 
on the 8th day of March, 1908. Be it therefore 

Resolved, That, holding his memory in affectionate regard, we, the 
members of the Committee on Naval Aft'airs of the House of Representa- 
tives, mourn his untimely death. 

Resolved, That as Representative and a member of the Committee on 
Naval Affairs he exhibited splendid gifts of statesmanship, true patriotism, 
stainless integrity, and great wisdom in council, and that in his death the 
country has lost a faithful ])ublic servant. 

Resolved, That his private life was as pure and gentle as his public 
career was noble and distinguished, and that we tender to his family the 
sympathy that flows from hearts \vhich are deeply moved with a great 
personal sorrow. 

Resolved, That a copy of these resolutions be presented to his family 
and be spread upon the records of the committee and be printed in the 
Congressional Record on the day set aside for eulogies in the House of 
Representatives. 

Mr. Speaker, I myself desire to pay a brief tribute to the 
memory of him with whom I have been so long associated in 
the work of building up the Navy. And, first, I desire to speak 
of his loyalty to his own constituency, for no man, I think, was 
more industrious and anxious to serve the people who elected 
him than he, and the many things which he obtained for liis 
city testify to the zeal and success with which he labored at all 
times for it. The estabhshment of the navy-yard at Algiers 
was due entirely to his effort, and I am sure that the great city 
of New Orleans will always treasure in fondest memory the man 
who so tirelessly worked for her interest. 



Address of Mr. Foss, of Illinois 17 

But General Meyer's greatest work consisted not so much in 
serving the constituency which elected him as it did in serving 
that greater constituency which extends from the Atlantic to 
tile Pacific and from the Gulf to the Great Lakes. It was his 
labors in the upbuilding of the American Navy for which he w ill 
be longest remembered. He was the oldest member of the Com- 
mittee on Naval Affairs. He had ser\'ed for seventeen vears, 
and no man was more familiar with the great subjects pertain- 
ing thereto than himself. The many and able reports on naval 
subjects which he has written will stand as a monument to his 
faithfulness, abiUty, and industry. When he became a member 
of the Naval Committee we had not a single battle ship in com- 
mission and the tonnage of our new Navy was less than 200,000, 
whereas now, when the pending naval bill shall have become 
a law, the tonnage of our Navy will reach 850,000. General 
Meyer can rightfully be called one of the legislative builders of 
the new Navy, because during the seventeen years of his service 
upon the committee more than three-fourths of the new Amer- 
ican Navy has been built. 

I may say that no Member was more intimately acquainted 
with General MeyER than myself. I saw a great deal of him in 
thf committee room and outside of the Capitol, and I came 
to know him in a personal and intimate way, and as the years 
rolled on I came to appreciate his splendid worth. He was the 
gentlest and kindliest man I ever knew. He seemed to be full 
of the milk of human kindness. I never knew him to offend 
anyone, and if he did he would have been the first man to make 
immediate reparation, and if one offended him he was eager to 
give to him the consolation of a happy reconciliation. There 
was no room in his heart for even the slightest resentment. 

There is no place, perhaps, where men are more accurately 
measured than in this forum, but the measure which we give 
78130 — H. Doc. 151 7, 60-j J 



i8 Memorial Addresses: Adolph Meyer 

men here is largelv the world's measure, and we attribute to 
them ability as we may note their generalship in handling some 
measure upon the floor or by their eloquence in debate. In- 
deed, we are apt to measure men here as they appeal to us, on 
what might be called "the public scale of human action." But 
the true measure of a man is recorded elsewhere. It is writ- 
ten that "he that overcometh himself is greater than he that 
taketh a citv. ' It is written, also, that meekness, charity, 
long suffering, patience, forbearance one with another shall be 
the instruments of man's measurement in the great hereafter. 
These are the Master's all-conquering instruments of power. 

General Meyer won his way and accomplished the things 
which he did through the gentleness of his manner, the sweet- 
ness of his character, the persistency of his efforts, the geniality 
of his disposition, the persuasiveness and logic of his position. 

He never won his contests by a brilliant dash or charge, 
although as captain in the confederate army he had made 
them on the field of battle, but here in this forum he won his 
victories through kindliness and benevolence. If one gave him 
his ear, he soon had possession of his heart. Such was this 
gentle and kindly man. 

General Meyer, as I have above stated, was a captain in the 
confederate armv. He was a follower of what is sometimes 
called the "lost cause." And yet the bravery and courage dis- 
played bv the soldiers of the South, no less than that of the 
soldiers of the North, the Gray as well as the Blue, will be a 
common heritage to our children and our children's children 
through all the ages yet to come. We are not far enough re- 
moved from the war to measure its full meaning in its just 
proportions. All must realize that we are but the instruments 
of the Almighty's plan and purpose in the development of 
civilization and the liberty of mankind. Liberty is a mighty 
stream. It reaches back through all the ages that are past, 



Address of Mr. Foss, oj fllinois 19 

and rushes on through all the ages yet to come, until its mighty 
current loses itself into the boundless ocean of the Creator's 
love. 

When a century shall have rolled b\' and the historian of the 
future comes to write the story of that great war in which so 
many thousands were engaged on both sides, where so much 
blood was spilled, where brother fought against brother in 
fratricidal strife, and where untold misery and suffering has 
been dragging its wearv length all these years down in the deep, 
dark valley of humiliation and despair — I say, when the his- 
torian comes to write the history of that great conflict in the 
mellow light of history, he will, perchance, simply say, "The 
North and the South, two brothers, sitting on the lap of the 
Infinite; one struck the other, and the other returned the blow; 
yet all the while the tender, loving arms of the Almighty Ruler 
of nations were around them both." 

General Meyer had been tried in the old faith. He was true 
to the old gospel, and yet he preached the new, the gospel of 
brotherly love and reconciliation between the two great sec- 
tions of our common country. He believed that whereas the 
old North and the old South had crossed swords in war, the 
new North and the new South should henceforth clasp hands in 
peace. And so would we all advance this sentiment, in the name 
of all the dead who sleep upon the hillsides of the North and 
those as well who sleep where they fell along the banks of many 
a southern stream, whose slow and sluggish current seems to 
murmur a solemn requiem to the dead; in the name of all the 
living, whose scars give to modest lip the "voice of eulogy;" 
in the name of Lee, who, at the close of the war, stated that 
he willingly would have sacrificed all that he had sacrificed in 
order that this blessed consummation might be brought about; 
and lastly, in the name of Grant, whose patient suffering on 
Mount McGregor made the "couch glorious like the cross," 



20 Memorial Addresses: Adolph Meyer 

where he reiterated again and again those words which he had 
spoken at the close of the war, "Let us have peace." vSo 
say we all of us, a perpetual peace in the everlasting arms of 
American brotherhood. 

Soldier, statesman, legislative builder of the new American 
Navy, reconciler of the North and South, lover of mankind, 
husband, father, friend, associate, thou hast earned thy rest. 
Sleep on until the angel shall call thee on resurrection mom 
before the great white throne to receive thy eternal reward. 



Address of Mi . Claik, oj Missouri 21 



Address of Mr. Clark, of Missouri 

Mr. Speaker: Louisiana was the first State carved from the 
magnificent domain which Jefferson bought from Napoleon for 
a song, and Missouri was the second. This close kinship, to- 
gether with their intimate commercial relations, has from the 
first caused them to entertain deep and abiding sympathy for 
each other — deeper and more abiding than the average — in 
everv jov and sorrow, in prosperity and in adversity. Being 
for a long time the only States beyond the great river, they 
formed the habit of fighting in pairs, and habit at last becomes 
second nature. 

Louisiana has been a member of the Union ninety-six years. 
There are persons yet living who were old enough to walk and 
talk when she was admitted into the rare and radiant sisterhood. 
In the years of her statehood the world has made greater 
progress in the utilitarian arts and sciences than in any three 
preceding centuries. To this bewildering progress Louisiana 
has contributed her part, and of the fruits thereof she enjoys 
her full share. Her position at the mouth of the Mississippi 
has from the first given her a prominence greater than her 
acres, her population, and her wealth entitle her to. The de- 
sire to possess the island of Orleans was really what made us 
a continental power — a world power, for let it never be for- 
gotten that we have been a world power ever since the 30th 
day of April, 1803. Until we acquired the Floridas, Louisiana 
was the southernmost of all our possessions, and so different 
in climate and productions from the rest of our country that 
she was enveloped in romance to an extraordinary degree, and 
became the pet theme of poets, orators, and novelists. 



2 2 Memorial Addresses: Adolph Meyer 

The cosmopolitan character of her population has added a 
perpetual charm to her history. 

When I entered Congress, in 1893, Louisiana was represented 
in the Senate by Donelson Caffery and E. D. White; and in the 
House by N. C. Blanchard, Robert C. Davey, H. W. Ogden, 
S. M. Robertson, Adolph Meyer, Andrew Price, and C. ]. 
Boatner. Of that goodly company Judge Davey is the only 
one left with us. Senator Caffery, Mr. Ogden, Judge Boatner, 
and General Meyer have joined the great majority; Senator 
White is now Mr. Justice White of the Federal Supreme Court; 
Mr. Robertson and Mr. Price are now in retirement; j\Ir. Blan- 
chard, after being a Senator of the United States and supreme 
judge of Louisiana, is now lieutenant-governor. This brief 
recital of facts shows with what startling rapidity the dramatis 
persona; change here. 

To be elected to this House once is a high honor, but to be 
elected nine times, as was General Meyer, is not only a high 
honor, but an exceptional one. To prove this it is only neces- 
sarv to state that of our membership of 391 Members onlv 4 
men have served the same length of time as General MeyER — 
Judge DeArmond, of Missouri, Governor Hull, of Iowa, Mr. 
Jones, of Virginia, and Colonel Livingston, of Georgia. Onlv 6 
have served longer — Mr. Speaker Cannon, General Bingham, 
of Pennsylvania, Mr. Payne, of New York, Mr. Dalzell, of Penn- 
sylvania, Colonel Hepburn, of Iowa, and Mr. Sherman, of New 
York. General Meyer served his constituents faithfully and 
successfully. His constituents recognized that fact and would 
probably have kept him here till his death, no matter how long 
his life. 

He was a modest, unassuming gentleman, but a most persist- 
ent worker. The suaviter in modo was developed in him to a 
remarkable extent and enabled him to accomplish much with 
little noise and with little friction. While representing a great 



Address of Mr. Clark, oj Missouri 23 

citv gives a Menibcr (.-xceptional prestige, il imposes exceptional 
duties and exceptional labors. General Meyer enjoyed the 
exceptional prestige and also seemed to enjoy the exceptional 
duties and labors. He exercised eternal vigilance in looking 
after the interests of Louisiana in general and of her great 
metropolis in particular. 

He was educated at the Universitx' of Mrginia; in his youth 
he served in the Confederate army on the staff of Gen. John S. 
Williams, of Kentucky, popularly called "Cerro Gordo" Wil- 
liams. General Meyer rose to the rank of assistant adjutant- 
general before his beard was grown, and in Congress he rose to 
be the ranking Democrat on two great conmiittees — Naval 
Affairs and District of Columbia. 

General Meyer died in his sixty-sixth >ear. worn out in the 
ser\'ice of his city, of his State, and of his coimtry. 



24 Memorial Addresses: Adolph Meyer 



Address of Mr. Broussard, of Louisiana 

Mr. Speaker; In addressing you to-day 1 bear my last 
tribute to the memory of one with whom I held associations 
of peculiar intimacy, social, political, and official, for a period 
of more than ten years — the late Admlph Meyer, of Loui- 
siana. I only wish to say a few simple, honest words of the 
life, character, and public services of this friend and colleague 
who has gone to the peaceful slumbers of his tomb. 

When my people saw fit to honor and send me here some years 
ago, it was General Mever who first extended me a cordial 
greeting and bade me welcome. From that time he was my 
friend, and as the years passed on our friendship ripened and I 
learned to regard him as an able, scholarly gentleman, devoted 
to the service of his State and country. His longer legislative 
experience and kindly nature made him at once my preceptor, 
and as time passed I sought more and more his counsel and 
advice. 

General MevER was the possessor of a sunshiny, genial 
nature, as well as a forgiving disposition, that never harbored 
revenge. He was a plain, simple man who loved mankind. He 
was small in stature and his bearing was c|uiet and unpretending, 
but his step was steady and firm and was the expression of 
great will power. Haliituallv social and kindly disposed, alwavs 
affable and active was he. Much of his activity was the result 
of that good nature which jjrompted him to readily respond to 
anv call of his people; and while his generous, easy nature and 
pleasing address made his presence especially desirable, his 
willing kindness emboldened desire to almost demand. Many 
of his fellow-citizens seemed to consider his services a sort of 



Address of Mr. Proussard, of Louisiana 25 

common property, and this notion he never appeared disposed 
to change or modify. As a worker he was nntiring. For him 
labor was not a task, but a pleasure. His ambition was to 
represent his people properly and conscientiously. In com- 
mittee, on the floor, at all times he was keenly alive to their 
interest, and never ^et an opportunity to serv-e them pass 
neglected. 

Sixty-five years ago, on the banks of the great Mississippi 
River, at the city of Natchez, General Meyer was born. There 
he passed his childhood and boyhood days, a part of the time 
in school, so that when he had attained the age of iS he was 
readv to enter the University of \'irginia. For two years he 
zealously confined himself to intellectual pursuits in that famed 
old institution. But in 1862, unable to longer restrain that 
enthusiasm which stirred within him for the defense of his 
countr\-, he was impelled to join the confederate ranks and 
fight for country's sake. It is needless to dwell on his record, 
other than to sav it was an enviable one. On enlisting he was 
assigned to the staff of Gen. John S. Williams, of Kentucky. 
There he served through the years of war, at the end of wliich 
he held the rank of assistant adjutant-general. Not many 
years ago his old commander. General Williams, testified to the 
young soldier's worth in these words: 

He was preeminent for soldierly qualities — the loftiest courage, fidelity, 
and endurance. 

His history in service is linked and written with that of the 

army of Lee; its history is his history, and its fame his fame; 

its valorous deeds are the sum of the many brave deeds of the 

thousands of gallant men who, with him, went forth at the call 

of his country to battle for her defense. When the cause for 

which he had contended was lost and his country's flag forever 

furled in gloom and glory, he turned his face to the vSouth and 

took for his new home no less a place than Louisiana. 



26 Memorial Addresses: Adolpli Meyer 

There he stood with other Confederates through all the dark 
days of reconstruction — days more trying than war, more 
humiliating than defeat. Ever hopeful, he strove with untiring 
might and effort to redeem the Southland from shameful mis- 
rule and political strife and to rebuild that shattered land. 

For several years General Mever lived for the most part on 
a plantation not far from Xew Orleans, and about the vear 
1870 he became a resident of that city. There he followed 
commercial pursuits, and by his thrift, ability, and honest 
efforts quickly found success. Even while he was busiest in his 
own work General Meyer was ever ready to respond to the call 
of his fellow-citizens in city. State, or nation. To reorganize 
and build up the State militia he deemed essential. Enlisting 
in this work, he unsparingly gave to it his time and the fruits 
of his confederate service, and just prior to his election to 
Congress he was made commander of all the Louisiana troops. 
It was duty rather than desire that prompted General Meyer 
to accept this charge, for of war he had had sufficient. 

Eighteen years ago the people of New Orleans, appreciating 
the sterling worth of Adolph Meyek, saw tit to send him to this 
House as one of their Congressmen. vSo well, so faithfullv did 
he serve them, guard and protect their interests, that his service 
here has been unbroken for all these eighteen years. The 
fruits of his labor are many, notable, and worthy. Largely 
to his energetic efforts and tireless work are due the establish- 
ment of the great naval station in New Orleans; the svstem 
of jetties at the mouth of the Mississippi, as well as levees to 
hold in check the waters of that great river; the maintenance 
of the New Orleans mint; and the appropriations for a new 
federal building for that city. His last good deed, his last 
work in this House, and in which I had the privilege and pleas- 
ure of being closely associated with him, was the securing of 
an appropriation of $25,000 at the past session for the com- 



Address of Mr. Broussard, of lotiisicDia 27 

pletion of a monuinent to the soldiers who till in the battle of 
New Orleans in the w-ar of 181 2. 

To Mrs. Richardson, president of the United States Daughters 
of 1776 and 1812, and her splendid organization of patriotic 
women is due the happy consummation of this plan to place a 
fitting shaft to the memory of those fearless men of Jackson 
who saved the day at New Orleans. This organization of ladies 
raised much of the money expended in the partial erection of 
this monument. They interested me in their work, and when 
Representative Story, of Louisiana, introduced a bill in the 
State legislature to donate the grounds and unfinished monu- 
ment to the United States, I went to the State capital and, with 
Mr. Story, secured the passage of his measure. Besides this, 
the Daughters have obligated themselves to assume the care of 
the monument and contiguous grounds, relieving the Govern- 
ment of all expense and responsibility. 

This battle, this monument, was the theme of General 
Meyer's last speech in this House. It was on the anniversary 
of the battle, January 8, 1907, that he appropriately, eloquently, 
and forciblv urged his fellow-Members to memoriaHze this bat- 
tlefield commensurately with the splendid deeds enacted there. 

Such achievements as this; his great work for his people and 
his State; his generous soul; the righteousness of his daily life; 
his sympathetic nature; his deeds of kindness, charity, and 
generosity will rear a monument to his memory more lasting 
than stone, more enduring than bronze. 



Memorial Addresses: Adolph Meyer 



Address of Mr. Kahn, of Caufornia 

Mr. Speaker: We have met to-day to pay a last sad tribute 
of love and respect to one whose \oice was heard for many 
years in these legislative halls, but who now sleeps the sleep 
everlasting 'neath the balmy skies of his well-beloved Louisiana. 

I first met Gen, Adulph Meyek during the Fiftv-sixth Con- 
gress. He was then serving his fifth term in this House. He 
had acquired an enviable position among his colleagues. He 
was regarded as a man of great industry, possessing the soul 
of honor. He knew the right and always dared maintain it. 

One of our American poets has said : 

So many Gods, so many creeds. 

So many roads that wind and wind. 
While just the art of being kind 

Is all this great world needs. 

Our lamented colleague knew "the art of being kind." I do 
not think that he had it in his nature to speak a harsh or un- 
kind word. He was always courteous, affable, companionable. 
He would not knowingly have wounded the feelings of the hum- 
blest of his fellow-creatures. Indeed, it well can be said of him 

that — 

None knew him but to love him. 
None named him but to praise. 

He had been ailing for many months when the final summons 
came, and it was a matter of deep regret to all of his friends 
that illness prevented his presence in the vSixtieth Congress. As 
the ranking minority member of the Committee on Naval 
Affairs he had taken an active interest in the upbuilding of the 
American Nav\ He was proud of all the traditions that at- 
tached to that branch of the Government's service. His ambi- 
tion was to see the American Navy the equal of anv in the 
world. He was particularly solicitous for the welfare of "the 



Address oj Mr. Kalni, of California 29 

men behind the guns. " and was ever ready to give his voice 
and his vote to better their conditit)n 

Coming, as he did, from the city of \e\v ( )rleans, the metropo- 
lis of the South, he was especially well qualified to sit upon the 
Committee on the District of Columbia. As a member of that 
committee he readily championed any measure that tended to 
make the city of Washington the most magnificent capital in 
the world. 

His colleagues on both committees will miss his genial pres- 
ence, will listen in vain for his words of counsel. 

His was a busy life during the sixty-five years he was ])er- 
mitted to walk among men. Bom in 1842, he was scarcely 
come to man's estate when the great struggle of the civil war 
commenced. He naturally followed the fortunes of his beloved 
State of Louisiana during that momentous period, and as an 
officer on the staff of Gen. John S. Williams, of the confeder- 
ate army, he rendered signal service to the cause which he 
believed to have been right. But with the coming of peace he 
gladlv returned to the pursuits of peace. He did not mourn 
lor the lost cause, but immediately set to work to upbuild the 
industries of a reunited country. 

As a planter and as a business man fortune smiled upon him. 
and he reaped the reward of industry in his commercial enter- 
prises. In these days of high finance, when men of large affairs 
in the business world are not always overscrupulous as to the 
methods employed in accumulating wealth, it shall alwavs be 
said to the everlasting credit of General .Mever that his busi- 
ness career was both honorable and creditable. 

His people, recognizing his sterling qualities as a citizen and 
as a man, his splendid abilities, his honesty, his probitv, his 
integrity, his patriotism, elected him as their Representative to 
the Fifty-second Congress, and wisely continued him in that 
position till the day of his death. In having thus honored him, 
they honored themselves; for if ever a Representative sought 



30 Memorial Addresses: Adolph Meyer 

to serve his constituency faithfully, zealously, patriotically, 
Gen. Adolph Meyer did. And his people recognized his great 
worth — for when the news spread among them that the Grim 
Reaper had cut down their friend and neighbor when he was at 
the very fullness of his powers there was universal sorrow in 
his city and his .State. 

In the closing years of his life he was especially interested in 
the improvement of the Mississippi River — the great Father of 
Waters — whose improvement is especially important to the citv 
of New Orleans. One of his last utterances on the floor of this 
House was in relation to this subject. He had the matter close 
at heart, and it must have been a great solace to him during 
the long, trying days of his suffering and illness to have learned 
that the question of the improvement of the great waterwavs of 
our country had grown to be one of the vital issues and was 
engaging the attention of the progressive men of the entire 
nation, regardless of politics or partisanship. 

General MevER was an optimist. During his long public 
career he had faced many problems, he had participated in 
many debates, he had helped to solve many great questions of 
national policy; but during all of that time he had marched 
forward and never backward. There was never a pessimistic 
note in any of his speeches. He realized that the world was 
advancing, that mankind was growing better and better. He 
went about among his fellow-men with a smile and not with a 
scowl. He was a man of high ideals, and in his own life he tried 
to live up to those ideals. 

It is these qualities that made him a gentle, a devoted hus- 
band, a loving father, and a faithful and loyal friend. He is 
no more. He has gone to that long sleep that knows no wak- 
ing, and all is well with him. And we, who were permitted to 
know him in his lifetime, who loved and honored and respected 
him, will ahvavs cherish his memt)rv. 



Address oj Mr. Pujo, oj Louisia)ia 31 



Address of Mr. Pujo, of Louisiana 

Mr. Speaker : 

* * * The race is not to the swifl nor the l)nttlc to the strong, neillier 
yet bread to the wise, nor yet riches to men of understanding, nor yet 
favor to men of skill; but time and chance happenetli to them all. 

Mr. Speaker, this great philosophic truth, uttered nearh- 
three thousand years ago by the wisest of men, was well exem- 
plified bv the traits of character and life efTorts of our late 
colleague, Gen. Adolph Meyer, of the First Louisiana District, 
of whose memory we have met to-day to accord words of 
commendation and regret. 

Our late colleague was of vSemitic origin, and his conduct in 
life furnishes evidence of the traditional virtues of his great 
race — love of country, love of family and home, patience, thrift, 
industry, and application. 

Others have spoken of the principal episodes of his life, and 
of his political and legislative achievements; howev^er, I do not 
consider it amiss to deal more in detail with what his best 
friends know to have been the pride aild ambition of his life — 
the dry dock and naval station at New Orleans. 

Nearly eighteen years a Member of the Congress of the United 
States, he benefited his constituents, his State, and his countrv 
by his tenure of service, and the history of his legislative life 
confirms the wisdom of the adage that — 

The race is not always to the swift * * * 

Although well educated and possessing a splendid command 
of language, his success was attributable more to the fairness 
and strength of his arguments and the persuasive manner and 
persistency of his advocacy of any cause espoused by him than 
to eloquence and oratorv. 



32 Memorial Addresses: Adolph Meyer 

He never became discouraged at any temporary setbacks, nor 
vainglorious or intolerant with success. 

As an instructive lesson to those who may chance to read 
these words, I have collated and condensed into a few lines, 
which I now insert, the epitome of his legislative labors, which 
will endure long after temporary monuments will have crumbled 
to their original substance: 

March 3, 1893, Fifty-second Congress, second session, for 

dry docks $25, 000. 00 

July 26, 1894, Fifty-third Congress, second session, for drv 

docks 23,02s. 03 

May 4, 1898, Fifty-fifth Congress, second session, for dry 

docks _ 830.000.00 

June 7, 1900, Fifty-sixth Congress, first session, for drv 

docks 650, 000. 00 

Total I, 548, 025. 03 

P'or naval station 145,000.00 

March 3, igoi, Fifty-sixth Congress, second session, for naval 

station 330, 000. 00 

July I, 1902, Fifty-seventh Congress, first session, for naval 

station 339,000. 00 

March 3, 1903, Fifty-seventh Congress, second session, for 

naval station in, 800. 00 

.^pril 27, 1904, Fifty-eighth Congress, second session, for 

naval station 271, 500. 00 

March 3, 1905, Fifty-eighth Congress, third session, for naval 

station 95, 000 . 00 

June 29, 1906, Fifty-ninth Congress, first session, for naval 

station 215, 500.00 

March 2, 1907, Fifty-ninth Congress, second session, for 

naval station 156, 300. 00 

Total 1,664, 100.00 

The construction of a dry dock and the establishment of a 
naval station at New Orleans were projects dear to the heart 
of General MEYER, and the results of his efforts write the story 
of a life well spent and devoted to the interests of those to whom 
he was so faithful. 



Address oj Mr. Piijo, of Louisiana ;^^ 

It will be noted that the first aijpropriatiou made by the 
National Goxemment for a dr\- dock was on March t,, 1893, 
and that the amount was very small, $25,000. Hut total ap- 
propriations through the efforts and ability of the late First 
District Congressman for the dry dock only aggregate at th's 
time $1,548,025.03. 

Well knowing and realizing the necessity for a naval station 
on the Mississippi River at New Orleans and the advantages to 
accrue to the public service from its construction, his energies 
were ne.xt directed to the establishment of such a station, and 
we find the result of his work in the na\al appropriation bill 
adopted June 7, 1900, Fifty-sixth Congress, f.rst session, carry- 
ing an appropriation of Si45,ooo for that purpose, followed by 
an appropriation on ^larch 3, 1901, second session, with an 
appropriation of $330,000; and the work was begun. And 
annuallv thereafter the naval bill carried appropriations for 
the naval station with unfailing regularity until March 2, 
1907, aggregating $1,664,100. 

The great ships of our navy and vessels of foreign countries 
have been and can be at any time repaired with facility and 
restored to commission. Many thousands of dollars are dis- 
tributed among the officers and employees stationed there. The 
construction of the dock and the establishment of the naval 
station have resulted in material benefit to \ew Orleans and has 
enhanced her importance as a great port and strategic base. 

I recall when I first came to Congress that I was slightly dis- 
appointed with the unfavorable action of a committee on a 
measure in which my constituents were interested, and so 
expressed mvself to my colleague. General MevER He stated 
to me that he considered he had accomplished a few things for 
the people of his district since his election to Congress, but the 
result had been attained by repeated efforts, although at first 
78130 — H. Doc. 1517, 60-2 3 



34 Memorial Addresses: Adolph Meyer 

not entirely successful or satisfactory. He said he well remem- 
bered in his campaign for Congress in 1891 that his advocacy 
of a dry dock and naval station at New Orleans was almost 
treated with derision and that he was charged by his opponents 
as advocating a measure which he well knew would never be 
enacted into law. Yet, he remarked: 

] have lived to see both of these projects — charged as being merely 
eleclioneering schemes — approved by the Congress of my country and 
mv people. 

Were the people of his district to estimate his services merely 
from a financial point of view, his account would show a large 
balance to his credit; theirs a large debit in his favor. 

His achievements in the great field of human endeavor 

entitle him to the commendation accorded by the greatest of 

cvnics to those who accomplished something, that — 

V\'hoe\er could make two ears of corn or two blades of grass to grow 
upon a spot of ground where only one grew before would deserve better of 
mankind and do more essential ser\'ice to his country than the whole race 
of politicians put together. 

Yet, Mr. Speaker, "a man's life * * * is neither here 

nor there in the destiny of a nation. " General Mever fulfilled 

his mission; he performed his duty; he accomplished his task; 

and, in the last analysis, we exclaim with the Latin poet, 

"Finis coronat opus!" 



Address of Mr. Padgett, of Tennessee 35 



Address of Mr. Padgett, of Tennessee 

Mr. Speaker: We are here to-day to endeavor to pay a 
tribute of respect and of love to the memory of our late col- 
league and friend, Gen. Ad(1Lph MevER, of Louisiana; not 
in the extravagance of language or in fulsomeness of praise, 
but in sincerity and truth to speak those things which our 
love would prompt and to testify to those virtues which we 
know. I wish sincerely, Mr. Speaker, that I possessed that 
richness of language which would enable me adequately to 
pav a just tribute which his merits and life would warrant, 
but I find comfort in the thought that those who have pre- 
ceded me have paid a tribute more deser\'ing and more com- 
mensurate than I can hope to do. I first met General MevER 
when I became a Member of the Fifty-seventh Congress. I 
was not then associated with him other than as a Member of 
the House, meeting and being associated with him, but dur- 
ing the Fifty-ninth and Sixtieth Congresses we were together 
in our work -upon the Committee on Naval Affairs, and there 
I learned to know him well and to love him more. 

Mr. Speaker, I speak truly when 1 say the Committee on 
Naval Affairs and the Congress in his death suffered a loss. 
The Congress, as a representative of the whole country, his 
State, and the Union had in General Meyer a faithful, efficient, 
and competent public servant. Great crises, it is said, pro- 
duce great men, or it is sometimes debated that great men 
produce great crises. Perhaps we are not able to give a cat- 
egorical answer to that question or a dogmatic solution to the 
inquiry, but the young manhood of General Meyer came into 
activity in a great crisis, during the civil war from 1 861 to i 865. 



36 Memorial Addresses: Adolph Meyer 

In the vcar 1S62, wlit-n in the University of \'irginia as a 
sttuknt, he felt the call of duty which his country made upon 
him and he responded to that call. He allied himself to the 
cause of the Confederacy, and while it is not my purpose to 
attempt to repeat what has already been told of his services 
and his distinguished career, his fidelity in that service was 
such that when the war was over it could be and it has been 
said of him he was faithful to every trust and faithful to every 
duty. 

No more could be said of any man. Faithful in the environ- 
ments in which we find ourselves, faithful in the duties which 
present themselves to us in our station and our surroundings, 
whether large or little, whether great or small, ever to be 
faithful and efficient in the discharge of the dvrty that is 
before us is the highest, the noblest, and the best tribute that 
can be paid to mortal man. Mr. Speaker, it is not my purpose 
to recall the incidents of that crisis. The soldiers of the 
North and the soldiers of the South, the soldiers who wore 
the blue and the soldiers who wore the gray, who met upon 
the field of battle and of blood, of destruction and death, 
were men in the highest, noblest sense when they faithfully 
discharged their duty. Those were times that tried men's 
souls, and a man who was faithful as he saw his fellows die, 
who was l)ra\e in blood and carnage and death, deserves the 
tribute of commendation and merits the esteem and the love 
of his countrymen. 

Mr. Speaker, whenever I stand at the grave of a man who 
wore the blue or of a man who wore the gray, there comes to 
me the memory of the words that were spoken to the prophet 
of old as he stood in the presence of that burning bush, "Take 
thy shoes from off thy feet, for the ground whereon thou stand- 
est is holy ground." Sir, as I stand at the grave of a federal 
or a confederate soldier, I take mv hat from mv head and bare 



Address of Mr. Padgett, oj Tennessee 37 

it to the blue of heaven and my soul testifies that these are our 
country's heroes; and from my heart ascends the prayer that 
our children and our children's children may ever be as noble 
and as brave as were these men who wore the blue and the gray 
in the discharge of their duty to the call of their country. Mr. 
Speaker, the courage and bravery and heroism of the soldiers 
of the North and of the South in that great struggle is the 
grandest, the noblest, the best exhibition of courage and patri- 
otism ever displayed on the field of battle and challenges the 
admiration of the world. 

But, sir, it was after the close of that war, when the Southern 
soldier returned to his home in desolation and ruin, where fire 
and sword had made desolate the land, and faced the problems 
of rebuilding his country, rehabilitating its industries, reinstat- 
ing its institutions, and to meet and to solve aright the many 
problems that presented themselves to him, that the manhood 
of the South exhibited its highest inspiration and its noblest 
aspiration and achievement and reached the high-water mark 
of patriotic accom]5lishment. 

It was in this work that General Mever entered heartily, 
patriotically, and successfully as a citizen of his State and of 
the Nation. For laying hold of the new problems which pre- 
sented themselves to him, for his wise and judicious considera- 
tion of them, and for their rightful solution he received the 
approbation of his people, and they gave to him a commission 
for vears and years as a Member of Congress. Others have 
spoken more eloquently than I could hope to do of the faithful- 
ness and the efficiency of his labor and his achievement here. 
I need not sav more than to say that here, as elsewhere, he was 
faithful and efficient. 

Mr. Speaker, when we come to consider General Meyer per- 
sonally our admiration may prompt us, unless we be careful, 
to extravagant expression. He w'as a noble man. He was a 



38 Memorial Addresses: Adolph Meyer 

gentle man. There was one attribute of liis character that was 
prominent and commended itself to all — his modesty. I wish to 
emphasize that modesty is not and should not be a virtue lim- 
ited and confined to the female sex. There is a modesty which 
commends itself to men and which challenges the admiration of 
noble men ; and General MEYER possessed in a high degree that 
modesty. General Meyer was personall}' honest; no man ever 
questioned his personal honesty or his personal honor. But, 
more than that, Mr. Speaker, he was politically honest. By 
that 1 mean that in his convictions of political duty he was 
sincere and earnest. He had convictions; he was not afraid 
to state them. Those convictions were politically honest with 
him, and he had the courage to maintain them. He was 
honest in his purpose. 

No man ever questioned the honesty of the purpose of General 
Meyer in any effort he undertook; and it was the conviction and 
the sincerity and the honesty of his purpose that commended 
itself to his associates here and gave him power in this body. 
He was not only honest in his purpose, but he was honest in his 
action; for his conduct was such that no man ever stopped or 
thought to question or to examine into the integrity of his pur- 
pose or the honesty of his action, because it was apparent in his 
life and his conduct. But one may be honest and still not rise 
to the highest level of manhood. We can pay our debts, we may 
discharge the duties that commonly and ordinarily address 
themselves to us, and still there is a higher plane of manhood 
than that. General Meyer was a man of integrity. He was 
pure in his thought. I ask you to let your minds run over the 
history of this body, and can you find where anyone has ever 
been purer in his thought or cleaner in his life than General 
Meyer? The purity of his thought and the cleanness of his 
life marked him as a noble man, and won for him the respect 
of his colleagues. 



Address of Mr. Padgett, of Tennessee 39 

He was faithful in service. Others fiave amplified that fact, 
and I shall not detain you for it. The faithfulness of his 
service was marked in this House and among his people. 

It is said that there are larger and smaller cycles that mark 
the movements of the heavenly bodies. The sun has its orbital 
cycle and the stars have theirs. vSome are small, some are 
larger, and some larger still. Some of the bodies move them- 
selves within our visions for only a little while as they pass by, 
and we see them but little. It seems to me that this life is 
such. In the great cycle of eternity, as we conceive it, what 
a small cycle of life there is to us here. The life and light of 
the cycle of his life here has passed away from us, only to move 
in that larger cycle which we call eternity. We hope, we 
expect, yes the intuitions of our souls tell us, and we know, 
that in that hereafter the friendships begotten here shall ripen 
into the full fruition of love over there; and it is a comfort 
and consolation to know that in the richness, the fullness, and 
the completeness of that life we shall be satisfied. 



40 Memorial Addresses: Adolph Meyer 



Address of Mk. Olcott, of New York 

Mr. Speaker: It is probably unnecessary for ine to add 
anything to what has been so well said of the life and services 
of Adolph ^Ieyer, but it seems to me fitting, and it certainly 
is an honor, to join with you who knew him so well in a few 
words of my appreciation of his services in the District of 
Columbia Committee, where I met him in the first session of 
the Fifty-ninth Congress. That committee is probably in- 
fluenced less by ]jolitical opinions than any other. The acer- 
bities of partisan activities hardly enter into its deliberations. 
The question as to who is a Republican and who is a Democrat 
need hardly be considered. All who do their work there are 
actuated by the simple desire to do what is best for the city 
of Washington. General Meyer brought to the work rich 
e.xperience and good judgment. He was tenacious in his views 
on any civic subject, but equally tolerant of divergent views 
of others. His work was always valuable, and his expressed 
opinions always told and did much to enable the committee to 
act wisely. There was no matter so trivial or detail so small 
that was not worthy of and did not receive his strict attention 
and his honest judgment. Much of what is good in the .bills 
reported from that committee originated with him or received 
his cordial support. And of his personal relations with the 
members of the committee nothing can be said but good. My 
acquaintance with him soon, I am honored to say, became a 
friendship, and the friendship quickly ripened into genuine 
affection; and so when the sad news came on March 8 that he 
had passed away, it was the loss to me of a real friend. I had 
looked forward to seeing him again, not only in the old com- 



Address of Mr. Olcoti, of New York 41 

mittee but in tlu- C()niinitt(.i- <iii Xa\al Affairs, but, alas, it was 
not to be. General MiiVER had many friends, and closer ac- 
quaintance invariably increased the friendship. In the remarks 
which he made at the memorial ser\4ces of Amos Cummings 
General jMeyer closed in the following language: 

1 (111 not su|)puse that he left un this floor a personal enemy behind 
him; certainly there is not one of us who in this hour does not mourn 
his untimely end. 

Surely nothing truer could be said of this brave soldier, 
faithfitl public ser\-ant, warm friend, and courteous, modest, 
and gentle man. 



42 Memorial Addresses: Adolph Meyer 



Address of Mr. Lamb, of Virginu 

Mr. Speaker: The frequent eulogies in this House Sunday 
after Sunday, remind us of the solemn and serious fact that in 
the midst of life we are in death. A visitation of this grim 
monster has prevented my making as full and complete a eulogy 
on our departed friend and comrade as I had hoped to make, 
for no longer ago than yesterday I was called to witness the 
funeral of a splendid \'irginia woman who met a sudden and 
tragic death by a nmaway accident. I only left the city of 
Richmond this morning after a very early breakfast, in order 
that I might reach this House in time to comply with the request 
of my colleagues from the State of Louisiana to unite in this 
tribute to the life and character of our deceased friend. 

1 have, perhaps, seen more of death in war than any other 
man in this presence, and as much in peace. Only this morning 
I came through the historic city of Fredericksburg, where in 
December, 1863, I counted on a surface no larger than this 
room the bodies of 285 of the dead men of Mears's brigade, in 
that conflict of which I was an eyewitness. All I have here to 
say has been written on the train between Fredericksburg and 
this citv. As my mind ran over the battlefield of old \'irginia 
I thought of the apostrophe to death I have heard so often 
quoted on this floor: 

Come to the bridal chamber, Death. 

Come to the mother's, when she feels 
For the first time her first-bom's breath! 

Come when the blessed seals 
That close the pestilence are broke, 
And crowded cities wail its stroke! 
Come in consumption's ghastly form, 



Address of Mr. Lamb, of Virginia 43 

The earthquake shock, the ocean storm; 
Come when the heart beats high and warm 
With banquet song, and dance and wine' 
And thou art terrible! — the tear, 
The groan, the knell, the pall, the bier. 
And all we know, or dream, or fear 
• Of agony, are thine. 

We look upon death as the greatest of mysteries; but to my 
mind, accustomed as I have been in war and peace to this dread 
monster, I regard what we call life as even more mysterious 
than death itself. 

Mr. Chairman, the life of Adolph MeyER was eventful and 
distinguished. Louisiana may well mourn and this House well 
honor this soldier, patriot, business man, and statesman. 

In him was combined those qualities of sterling character, 
rare fidelitv, courage, and faithfulness in the discharge of every 
duty which justly entitles him to live in the hearts and memo- 
ries of his countrymen. 

Modest, unassuming, and genial, liberally educated, of broad 
business experience, he gave to his public duties that sound judg- 
ment and untiring effort which won for him the affection, re- 
spect, and confidence of his colleagues. 

Adolph Meyer was a native of Natchez, Miss., born in Octo- 
ber, 1842. Educated at the University of Virginia, he left that 
institution while a student to enlist in the confederate anny, 
serving with distinction under Brig. Gen. John S. Williams, first 
as captain, then by promotions until at the close of the war he 
held the position of adjutant-general. 

After the close of the war he returned to Louisiana, became 
the head of a firm largely interested in the production of cotton 
and sugar; later he became a cotton factor in New Orleans, and 
was prominent and successful in commercial and financial 
pursuits. 

He was elected and served as colonel of the First Regiment 
Louisiana National Guard, and was appointed in 188 1 brigadier- 



44 Memorial Addresses:, Adolpb Meyer 

general to command all of the uniformed corps of the State of 
Louisiana. 

At the outbreak of the war with Spain, Gen. John ,S. Williams, 
his old commander, wrote the President as follows: 

Jo the President: 

I beg leave to recommend to your favorable consideration Mr. Adolph 
Meyer, of Louisiana, for position of division or brigade commander of 
Southern volunteers. 

Mr. Meyer served on my staff during almost the entire civil war. He 
was preeminent for soldierly qualities, the loftiest courage, fidelity, and 
endurance. In fact he seemed a natural-born soldier, and commanded the 
confidence and admiration of the entire command. 

I know of no young officer who manifests more military aptitude. His 
resourcefulness in emergencies and quickness to avail himself of every 
possible advantage and devotion to duty were unsurpassed. 

Mr. Meyer's experience in actual war has been supplemented liy com- 
mand in the Louisiana Militia and National Guard. 

1 know the appointment would be a good one and highly acceptable to 
the Soiuhern people. 

With sentiments of the liighest regard, 
I am, most respectfully, yours, 

John S. Williams, 
Prigadicr-General, Kentucky Dirision. 

This letter makes comment on (leneral Meyer's record in the 
war between the vStates unnecessary. The highest praise by his 
superior officer, under whom he constantly served during almost 
the entire war, is glory enough for one ex-Confederate. 

Adolth Meyer was first elected to the Ffty-second Congress 
from the First Congressional District of Louisiana in 1890, and 
was successively reelected until the .Sixtieth Congress in Novem- 
ber, 1906, at which election he received 9,158 votes to his Repub- 
lican opponent's 791. 

Ex-Speaker Crisp assigned General Meyer to the Committee 
on Naval Affairs, where he held an important place, serving 
under two distinguished Democratic chairmen — Hon. Hilary A. 
Herbert, of Alabama, and Hon. Amos Cummings, of New York. 

It was on this committee that his greatest ser\'ices were ren- 
dered his State and his beloved Southland. 



Address of Mr. Lamb, of Virginia 45 

It was chiefly to his active, untiring, anil intelligent work that 
the largest naval station and dry dock in the South was estab- 
lished in the port of New^ Orleans, large enough for the heaviest 
battle ships and comparing favorably with any other station in 
this country. 

Largelv to him is due the construction of the jetties at vSouth- 
west Pass, placing New Orleans on a footing with the best and 
greatest ports on this continent. It was largely to his strong 
and earnest plea on the floor of the House in the Ffty-fifth 
Congress that the retention of the mint at New Orleans was 
secured after it had been stricken out by the Appropriations 
Committee. 

For this service, as well as many others of like character. Gen- 
eral Meyer endeared himself to a loyal constituency, who re- 
turned him to Congress for nine consecutive terms. 

The letter of General Williams that I have quoted is a just 
tribute to General jMeyER. If our deceased comrade watches 
these exercises to-day from the spirit land, as he may do for all 
we know, he takes the most interest in the references here made 
to his Confederate record. Everything touching the history of 
the heroic struggle his people made for constitutional liberty 
was of deep interest to him. I shall never forget the simple 
and unvarnished story he told of the part he bore in that con- 
flict at a meeting of the ex-Confederates of the House and 
Senate during a banquet held at the Metropolitan Hotel in this 
city several years ago. 

At that time we numbered fifty in both Houses. We are now 
reduced to eighteen. Soon the last of these heroes will have 
passed from the scenes of earth. While their names, for the 
most part, will perish and their memories fade away, their deeds 
of valor and chivalry will stir the hearts of future generations 
while the stars shine and the tides ebb and flow. 



46 Memorial Addresses: Adolph Meyer 

Their self-sacrifice and devotion to duty will feed the patriot- 
ism and fire the souls of men as long as valor has a votary or 
virtue a shrine. 

Not since Cromwell established the English Commonwealth 
has there been on earth an army more devoted to principle nor 
freer of vices. To their everlasting honor stands the fact that 
in their march through the enemy's country they left behind 
them no ruined homes, no private houses burned, no families 
cruelly robbed. 

They were, with one solitary exception, and that perhaps a 
righteous reprisal, careful with fire, and they were never known 
to borrow jewels of gold and silver with no thought of returning 
the same. They would divide the last morsel of food and the 
last drop of water with the hungry and thirsty prisoners that 
they captured by the thousands. 

With the rarest exceptions they never cherished bitterness 
and ill feeling for the rank and file of the men they met in 
deadly combat. They were soldiers from necessity, not choice, 
and only fought as their Revolutionary sires did, for home and 
lijaerty. They knew then and know now that they were abso- 
lutelv right in their contentions, and the last one will die, as 
our colleague died, with the proud satisfaction that impartial 
history will pronounce judgment in their favor and rank them, 
with a large number of their leaders, as the most heroic and 
least selfish of all in the tide of time who fought for their homes 
and firesides. 

Our deceased comrade was also a striking type of the Con- 
federate soldiers who returned to their homes after an unsuc- 
cessful conflict with a majority of their own countrymen, assisted 
by foreigners gathered from the four corners of the earth. 
Historians are to-day giving the Confederate soldier full credit 
for the purity of his convictions and the courage with which 
he defended them. 



Address oj Mr. Lamb, of Virginia 47 

In diie time they will tell of his achievements in peace that 
were not surpassed by his exploits in war. The territory that 
he defended with unsurpassed valor, containing one-third of 
our population, has for years contributed 40 per cent of our 
exports to foreign lands. Receiving no pensions save a pit- 
tance from Commonwealths that had been despoiled by war 
and robbed by reconstructive laws, he has, with the toil and 
enterprise of himself and the sons sprung from his loins, fur- 
nished from his taxable values fully one-third of the revenues 
that have gone to pension the survivors of the mixed hosts, 
speaking every language of the earth, who overran with fire and 
sword the fairest land ever given unto man to hold and defend. 

The members of the Naval Committee have told us of the 

splendid services our colleague rendered as a member of that 

committee. To show the breadth of his view and his noble, 

generous spirit, I quote the closing paragraph of the very last 

speech he made in this House : 

The time has gone by wlien voice of fiiction or party spirit could cavil at 
a liberal policy of encouragement of this arm of our national defense. 
Therefore in any steps we may take in this direction we will respond to the 
ardent aspiration of the American people by providing adequate means to 
defend our rights in peace or in war. 

We old soldiers intend before we are transferred to another 
sphere of action to establish the justice of our cause in the eyes 
of mankind, and we wish to leave our good name and fame in 
the keeping of the young men of our country. Ask yourselves 
these questions, young men ; Does the fact of failure prove 
that the South was wrong and the North right in that struggle? 
Was Providence on their side, and were we fighting against the 
fiat of the Almighty? 

If America had to suffer the penalty of violated law % was the 
South sinners above all others? In the conduct of that war 
which side exhibited most of the Christian and the least of the 
brutal character? To ask these questions is but to answer 
them. 



48 Memorial Addresses: Adolph Meyer 

The North succeeded because they had the world to draw- 
supplies from and mustered 2,500,000 men for the conflict. 

The South failed because she could only raise 550,000 all 
told and was confined to her own resources for supplies. 

THE CONFEDER.\TE SOLDIER. 

In a few short years now the last one of these old soldiers 
will have answered the last roll call. Thev are falling more 
regularly than they fell in battle, notwithstanding they gave to 
the grim monster 25 per cent of their fighting men during the 
four years of strife. Soon, very soon — 

We'll bear our last old soldier 

To his quiet place of rest, 
And we'll guard his mound of verdure 

As the eagle shields her nest ; 
We'll deck his grave with violets. 

And we'll keep it green each day, 
And we'll car\-e upon his headboard, 

" Lieth here the last Old Gray." 

We shall love to teach our children 

Of our heroes who are dead. 
Of the liattle scars they carried 

Marching to a soldier's tread; 
Of their loyal hearts so tender. 

All aglow in truth's array, 
And the many recollections 

Of the boys who wore the gray. 

And as long as time speeds onward. 

And there is a heaven of love, 
God will watch the silent sentinels. 

Sleeping, from a world above ; 
He will guard the precious memory 

Of the old Confederate .gray, 
Throughout Time's eternal pages. 

When the last one's passed away. 



Address of Mi . Spiqht, of Mississippi 49 



Address of Mr. Spight, of Mississippi 

Mr. Speaker: When I became a Member of the House of 
Representatives of the Congress of 'the United States, about ten 
years ago, one of the first ^lembers, outside of my own state 
delegation, with whom I became acquainted was Gen. Aixjlph 
Meyer, of Louisiana. From that time until his death our rela- 
tions were cordial. We were drawn together more closely 
because for four years we fought under the same flag, and each 
felt a pride in his record as a confederate soldier. Another 
reason, perhaps, why we were attracted to each other was that 
we were both natives of the proud State of Mississippi. 

For almost seventeen years, commencing with the Fifty- 
second Congress, General Meyer represented in this House the 
first district of Louisiana, the greater part of which is in the 
city of New Orleans. That a man of the Hebrew race and faith 
should have so long represented this cosmopolitan district is 
one of the highest tributes to his worth. 

General Meyer was genial, courteous, and open-hearted. He 
was as modest as a woman, but proud of his good name and 
loved his honor better than his life. At the time of his death he 
was the dean of his state delegation by virtue of long service, 
which exceeded by two years that of his distinguished colleague 
of the second district. Judge Davey, and he had the confidence 
and esteem of all. 

As before stated, General Meyer was a gallant confederate 
soldier, and this he justly regarded as a badge of honor, and 
yet, like the trulv brave men on both sides of that fearful con- 
flict, when the war ended he stopped fighting and became as 
loyal to the Government of the United States as he had been 
to the Confederacy. While we all deplore the death of our 
78130 — H. Doc. 1517, 60-2 4 



50 Memorial Addresses: Adolph Meyer 

friend, I, as a confederate soldier, am glad of the opportunity 
to pay a feeble tribute to his memory and worth. When I 
think of the changes which have occurred in the ten vears since 
I have been in Congress I aiy forcibly reminded of the fact that 
in a few more years the last of the soldiers of the ci\-il war will 
have passed off the stage of action. 

In our boyhood or young manhood we wore the blue or the 
gray, as our environments and convictions led us. Each did 
what he thought was right, and the men who made American 
history in those bloody days ask no apologies from those who 
fought against them. We are all proud of our achievements. 
The one helped to preserve the Union; the other saw his flag 
go down in defeat, but has lived to see the indestnictible doc- 
trine of States rights, for which he fought, recognized in every 
section of our great domain and in every department of our 
Government. vSide by side and hand in hand the confederate 
soldier and his sons are marching on with the federal soldier 
and his descendants to make our reunited country the proudest, 
richest, most powerful nation on earth, and with the confident 
hope that it may be the freest and happiest under the necessary 
limitations of a beneficent Constitution. 

In speaking of the rapidity with which the ranks of the vet- 
erans of the civil war are diminishing, it may be of interest to 
say that in the Fifty-sixth Congress there were fifty confed- 
erate soldiers in the two Houses — more than there were of fed- 
eral soldiers. To-day there are nineteen in all, and only eight 
in the House. Alabama and \'irginia have two each, and 
Georgia, Maryland, Mississippi, and Tennessee have one each. 
There are now thirty-two federal soldiers of the civil war in 
the two Houses, only two of whom are Democrats. The only 
confederate soldier I have ever known as a Republican Mem- 
ber of Congress was Hon. C. SlEmp, of Virginia, who died 
since his election to the .Sixtieth Congress. 



Address of Mr. Spigkt, of Mississippi 51 

I mention these things only as a bit of interesting information 
and to show how fast the men who wrote history in the smoke 
of battle more than forty years ago are crossing the "great 
di^-ide" which separates time from eternity. I am glad that 
no bitterness remains in the hearts of those who took part in 
that great struggle, but meet now as friends, and trust that in 
the few remaining years we may be brought still closer together 
for the welfare and glory of our .common country. 



52 Memorial Addresses: Adolph Meyer 



Address of Mr. Watkins, of Louisiana 

Mr. Speaker: It is no ordinary task to be a faithful Repre- 
sentative in the halls of Congress. To represent the interests 
of a Congressional district is an onerous undertaking, but to 
faithfully and intclligenth' represent all the interests of this 
great Government requires natural endowments, supplemented 
by training of the severest kind. 

Gen. Adolph Meyer entered the Congress of the United 
States after a training so wide in its scope as to enable him to at 
once grasp the trend of his work and to have his labors finally 
crowned with success. He bore his honors so gracefully, his 
manner was so quiet and unassuming, that one would not deter- 
mine that in him was combined the cultured scholar, the fiery 
warrior, the hardy yeoman, the skilled financier, and the pol- 
ished statesman. But the eulogies to which we have listened 
this afternoon show that he was endowed with these attributes. 
He was a kind and affectionate husband, a loving and indulgent 
father, an amiable companion, a staunch friend, an elegant 
American gentleman. 

It is related of him that he was diligent in his studies at the 
University of Virginia, from which institution he -graduated at 
the beginning of the civil war. He had selected the law as his 
profession, but abandoned it to enter the Confederate army. 

In lieu of enumerating his many engagements and the indi- 
vidual acts of heroism' which marked his career in that long 
and blood v conflict, I will only cite his record as it is summarized 
in the letter of his su])erior officer. Gen. John S. Williams, of 
Kentucky, which he directed to the President of the United 
States, and which lias alread\' been read. 



Address of Mr. ]Vatkins, of Louisiana- 53 

This gives tlie record as a soldier of the one of whom we 
speak; but when the strife was over we find him engaged in 
the peaceful and honorable pursuit of agriculture in the parish 
of Concordia, La., near the beautiful city of Natchez, Miss., 
where he had spent his boyhood days. But he yearned for that 
field of commercial enterprise which had afforded opulence to 
so manv of his race, and New Orleans, the great metropolis of 
the South, was selected as a suitable site for the mercantile 
business in which he engaged. 

But it is with his Congressional record we are more directly 
concerned. It would not be just to the memory of a man who 
had served for seventeen years in Congress to condense in a 
few words the more prominent acts of his accomplishment and 
leave to inference the multitude of minor transactions, which 
in the aggregate show a task performed which would tax the 
credulity of the most confiding casualist. 

When we reflect that from the great city of New Orleans there 
are onlv two Representatives in the lower House of Congress 
to represent her interests in the navigation of the Jlississippi 
River, in her levees, her wharves; to represent the great ship- 
ping interests on the Gu]f and to foreign ports, the inland 
traffic, the manufacturing, the banking, the mercantile inter- 
ests, the exchanges, the boards of trade, the progressive unions, 
the labor organizations, and the myriad of other interests in a 
city of more than one-third of a million people, we are astounded 
to learn that in addition to these duties great outside plans are 
originated and carried to a successful conclusion. To-day we 
see the great dry dock an accomplished fact in New Orleans; 
the Chalmette monument ; the new government building, cost- 
ing millions of dollars, provided for; the naval station and the 
immigration station in New Orleans all testify to the meri- 
torious efforts of our deceased brother. 



54 Memorial Addresses: Adolph Meyer 

When any question would arise affecting the Passes at the 
jetties or the government mint at New Orleans, or which af- 
fected the quarantine regulations, General Meyer was always 
ready to protect the interests of the city, but no less the inter- 
ests of the State. 

General Meyer dearly loved his adopted State, and was fond 
of the poem, Louisiana, which was sung by Miss Nores, United 
Daughters of the Confederacy, and which, by request, I will 
recite : 

LOUISIANA. 

Land of the brave, aye, the gallant and bold, 

Louisiana. 
Home of the lads with hearts as good as gold, 

Louisiana. 
Unequaled in beauty the wide world o'er; 
The names of thy sons reach from shore to shore, 

Louisiana. 
Blest are the mortals whose feet touch thy strand, 

Louisiana. 
Home of mv childhood, imperial land, 

Louisiana. 
Thy rich fertile soil is forever renowned; 
Thy forests in numerous trees still abound ; 
Thy melodious song, unsurpassed, aye, in sound, 

Louisiana. 
Mild are the winters that visit tliy shore, 

Louisiana. 
Beautiful birds through thy balmy air soar, 

Louisiana. 
Leader of all, briglit and glorious land, 
Pray tell me the country which with thee can stand? 
For, surelv, thy fields have been touched by Ood's hand, 

Louisiana, 

This poem breathes a spirit of patriotism which made it 
congenial to his nature, for his soul was fired with jiatriolic 
emotions and he loved his whole country. 

Who does not love a patriot? 

In commemoration of those who have suffered in their coun- 
trv's cause the bard has awakened the slumbering chords of his 



Address oj ^f> . W'atkins, of Louisiaiui ^=, 

noble lyre and called forth the beatific strains which still float 
upon the tide of time. The grandest monument which can com- 
memorate the deeds of men is that wiiich the patriot erects in 
the affections of his countrymen. 

The drifting sands are slowly submerging the Ivgyptian 
pyramids; the Colossus of Rhodes, that brazen monument of 
a great city's gratitude, has tottered from its lofty pedestal; the 
tawny Tiber creeps mournfully through a marble wilderness of 
deserted fanes and decayed temples; but there is a monument 
more durable than brass, more indurated than adamant. To 
the departed spirits of the small band of patriots who immo- 
lated their lives on the altar of their country at the Pass of 
Thermopylae the dulcet symphonies and voices sweet of the 
poet's lav still whisper words of consolation and of cheer. 

When the monastic gloom of mediaeval times had been refted 
from the mental sky; the sun of knowledge had dissipated the 
threatening clouds of superstition which lingered around the 
horizon; the Pierian fount had hidden its crystal flood beneath 
the funeral pile of Grecian glory, and the muses, deserting the 
beautiful woodlands and vaulted grottoes, where they were wont 
to hold high carnival, had sought refuge among the magnolia 
groves and rosy bowers of the Hesperian shore, and the star of 
patriotism, vanishing from the Old World, shone resplendent in 
the New, then Washington, like some meteor from yon distant 
sky, flashed upon the world in patriotic fire. Still, while mas- 
ter spirits have entranced the world, feebler souls have been 
deeplv stirred and added their accordant notes to swell the 
patriotic song and send forth the wild, weird pjean of victory 
found amid the pulsations of the great human heart for love 
and hope and joy. 

AnoLPH Meyer was one of these. 

But, alas: his peaceful soul has taken its immortal flight to 
sunlit climes of peace and love, over whose supernal planes that 



56 Mcmon'al Addresses: Adolph Meyer 

unwritten music, the "music of the spheres." sweeps in voice- 
less and unbroken strains, and whose billowy tide shall flow 
along until it breaks in crystal spray around the millennial 
throne. 

The Speaker pro tempore. In accordance with the order of 
the House, and as a further mark of respect to our deceased 
colleague. General Meyer, I now declare the House adjourned 
until to-morrow at 12 o'clock noon.- 

Accordingly (at 4 o'clock and 12 minutes p. m.) the House 
adjourned. 



Proceedings in the Senate 57 



PROCEEDINGS IN THE SENATE 

Monday, March 9, igoS. 

A message from the House of Representatives, by Mr. W. J. 
Browning, its Chief Clerk, connnunicated to the Senate the 
intelligence of the death of Hon. Adolph Meykr, late a Repre- 
sentative from the State of Louisiana, and transmitted resolu- 
tions of the House thereon. 

Mr. McEnerv. Mr. President, I ask the Chair to lay before 
the Senate the resolutions of the House of Representatives 
announcing the death of Hon. Adolph Meyur. 

The \'ice-Presiden'T. The Chair lays before the Senate the 
resolutions of the House of Representatives, which will be read. 

The Secretary read the resolutions, as follows: 

Ix THE House ok Represe.vtatives, 

March 9, igoS. 

Resolved, That the House has heard witli profound regret of the death 
of Hon. Adolph Meyer, a Representative from the State of Louisiana. 

Resolved, That the Sergeant-at-Arnis of the House be authorized and 
directed to pay the necessary expenses in connection with the funeral of 
said Representative. 

Resolved, That the Clerk communicate these resohitions to tlie Senate 
and transmit a copy thereof to the family of the deceased. 

Resolved, That as a further mark of res])ect tlie House do now adjourn. 

Mr. McEnery. Mr. President, at some other time I will ask 
the Senate to set apart a day to commemorate the life, ser\'ices, 
and character of General Meyer. I now offer the resolutions I 
send to the desk. 

The Vice-President. The Senator from Louisiana offers res- 
olutions which will be read. 

The resolutions were read and tinaninioush' agreed to, as 
follows : 

Resolved, That the Senate has heard with profound sorrow the announce- 
ment of the death of the Hon. Aholph MevER, late a Representative from 
the State of Louisiana. 



58 Proceedings in the Senate 

Resolved, That the Secretary communicate these resolutions to the House 
of Representatives, and transmit a copy thereof to the family of the 
deceased 

Mr. McEnery. Mr. President, I submit the additional reso- 
lution which I send to the desk. 

The Secretary read the resolution, as follows: 

Resolved, That as a further mark of respect to the memory of the deceased 
the Senate do now adjourn. 

The resolution was unanimously agreed to, and (at 4 o'clock 
and 30 minutes p. m.) the Senate adjourned until to-morrow, 
Tuesday, March 10, 1908, at 12 o'clock meridian. 

MoND.w, February 8, igog. 

Mr. McEnery. Mr. President, I desire to give notice that on 
Saturday, the 27th of February, I shall ask the Senate to con- 
sider resolutions commemorative of the life and character of 
Adolph Meyer late a Representative from the state of 
Louisiana. 

Saturd.\y, February 2j, iqoq. 

The Senate met at 1 1 o'clock a. m. 

The Chaplain, Rev. Edward E. Hale, offered the following 
prayer: 

Behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every 
man according as his work shall be. 

Blessed are they that do His commandments, that thev may have 
right to the tree of lije, and may enter in through the gates into the 
city. 

For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were 
dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with 
hands, eternal in the heavens. 

Let us pray. 

Father, Thou hast taught us this by Thy word in all ages bv 
Thy well-beloved Son. To-da>- we are to go back in memory 
to those who have served Thee here and are now serving Thee 
in the larger service of thai other world. 



Proceedings in the Senate 59 

() (tO(1, be with us when \vc inlrr])r<_t liistory. He witli us 
Thou, when we look into the future to see what our own (kity 
may be in these days that are before us. Show Thy servants in 
the Congress, show all persons in authority in the Nation, what 
it is to serve the living God and to bring in Thy law for our 
law, Thy rule for our passion, Thy strength for our weakness, 
and Thv love to be with us always, that we may bear each 
other's burdens, that we may find the duty that conies next 
our hands, that we may enter into that service which is perfect 
freedom. 

We ask it as Thine own children. 

Our Father who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy 
kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. 
Give us this day our daily bread. Forgi\e us our trespasses as 
we forgive those who trespass against us. Lead us not into 
temptation, but deliver us from evil; for Thine is the kingdom, 
and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. 

Mr. McEnery. Mr. President, I offer the resolutions which I 
send to the desk. 

The \'icE- President. The resolutions will be read. 

The resolutions were read, considered by unanimous consent, 
and unanimously agreed to as follows : 

Resolved, That the Senate expresses its profound sorrow on account of 
the death of the Hon. Adolph Meyer, late a Memlier of the House of 
Representatives from the State of Louisiana. 

Resolved, That the business of the Senate be suspended in order that 
fitting tributes may be paid to his memory. 

Rcsohcd, That the Secretary communicate a cojjy of these resolutions to 
the House of Representatives and to the family of the deceased. 



6o Memorial Addresses: Adolpli Meyer 



MEMORIAL ADDRESSES 



Address of Mr. McEnery, of Louisiana 

Mr. President : During each session of Congress we are called 
upon to pay tribute to the memory of distinguished Members 
who have passed away. 

Of them who wrapped in earth are cold 

No more the smiling day shall view, 
Should many a tender tale be told, 
For many a tender thought is due. 

One of the most lovable and tenderest of men, Gen. Adolph 
Meyer, a Member of the Sixtieth Congress, died in the State of 
Louisiana at his home in the city of New Orleans on the 8th 
dav of March, 190S. Of him many lender tales can be told, and 
many tender thoughts suggest themselves as due to his cher- 
ished memory. He was born October 19, 1842; was a student 
at the University of \'irginia until 1862, during which year he 
entered the confederate army, and served until the close of the 
war on the staff of Brig. Gen. John S. Williams, of Kentucky. 
At the close of the war he returned to Louisiana and had been 
engaged largely in the culture of cotton and sugar since; was 
also engaged in commercial and financial pursuits in the city 
of New Orleans; was elected colonel of the First Regiment of 
Louisiana State National Guard in 1879, and in 1881 was 
appointed brigadier-general to command the First Brigade, 
embracing all the uniformed corps of the State; was elected to 
the Fifty-second, Fifty-third, Fifty-fourth, Fifty-fifth, Fifty- 
sixth, Fifty-seventh, Fifty-eighth, Fifty-ninth, and Sixtieth 
Congresses. 

To this short sketch from the Congressional Directory I may 
add that as a merchant he was universally respected, and as a 



Address oj Mr. McEnery, of Louisiana 6i 

planter he was Known and admired for his pnsgressiveness; 
and as a soldier for undaunted skill and courage, receiving the 
highest encomiums from his commanding general, on whose 
staff he ser\-ed during the war. As brigadier-general of the 
National Guard, he was in service for more than eight years, 
and added b\- his persistent eft'orts, under the guidance of Gen- 
eral Beauregard, to the deserved popularity of the organization 
and to its admirable discipline. As a Representative in Con- 
gress from Louisiana he was always diligent in ser\-ing his 
State, and no interest affecting it escaped his attention. To 
the welfare of his constituents individuallv he was devoted, and 
day after day he was at the departments looking into their 
condition and their wants. 

I quote from the eulogy on General Meyer of Mr. Foss, 
chairman of the Conmiittee on Xaval Affairs, of the House of 
Representatives, who knew him more intimatelv than any 
Member of that body. 

But General MevEr's greatest work consisted not so much in serving the 
constituency which elected him as it did in serving that greater constitu- 
ency which extends from the Atlantic to the Pacific and from the Gulf to 
the Great Lakes. It was his labors in the upbuilding of the American Navy 
for which he will be longest remembered. He was the oldest member of 
the Committee on Naval Affairs. He had served for seventeen years, and 
no man was more familiar with the great suljjects pertaining thereto than 
himself. 

The many and able reports on naval subjects which he has written will 
stand as a monument to his faithfulness, ability, and industry. When he 
became a member of the Naval Committee we had not a single battle ship 
in commission and the tonnage of our new navy was less than 200,000, 
whereas now, when the pending naval bill shall have become a law, the 
tonnage of our navy will reach 850,000. General Mever can rightfully be 
called one of the legislative builders of the new navy, because during tlie 
seventeen years of his service upon the connniltee more than three-fourths 
of the new American Navy has been built. 

While his education was interrupted during his long ser\-ice 
in the army, the training there was useful, as he had learned 
discipline, self-control, and self-denial, and, in the i)ri\ations 



62 Memorial Addresses: Adolpli Meyer 

and dangers of army life, human nature in all its phases. For- 
tunately his habits were studious and his tastes scholastic. He 
had good judgment and unfailing tact. No circumstance, how- 
ever embarrassing, disturbed the evenness of his temper, and 
what he had to do was done at the right time and in the right 
way, and his words were suitable on all occasions to the matter 
under discussion. With his self-possession there was in his 
manner modesty and dignity With his many attractions, it is 
not to be wondered that he had ardent, admirers and devoted 
adherents among all classes of people in. his" district. 

When the Fifty-ninth Congress adjourned, which he had 
attended. General Meyer was apparently in full health and 
vigor. No Member of it had brighter hopes for the future and 
none had a clearer conscience for "having done his duty well and 
faithfully. It was expected that he would be returned here for. 
many years to come, so well, so faithfully, and ably had he rep- 
resented his district. 

The day preceding his death he was hopeful of life, bright, 
and cheerful, expecting to attend the opening of the Sixtieth 
Congress. We have so often been called upon to pay tribute to 
the memory of those who have left here in perfect health, but 
who have been suddenly called, that we nuist be impressed with 
the uncertainty of the hour of death. 

Determined are the davs that fly 

Successive o'er thy head; 
The numliered hour is on the wing 

That lays thee with the dead. 

While the hour tnay have come at an unexpected time. Gen- 
eral Meyer was not unprepared for the dreaded ordeal of pass- 
ing into the unknown — 

.■\cross that ebbing tide which has no flow. 

His entire life had been a preparation for the conflict with 
death. He was in no fear of its near approach. Why was 



Address of Mr. McEnery, of Louisiana 63 

there no cloud on the soul of one who had passed through life 
pursuing professions and callings that carried with them strong 
temptations? 

The unbroken testimony of all who knew him from early 
manhood is that he had strong convictions of right; that he had 
the highest order of moral and ])hysical courage; that he had 
to the fullest measure generous sympathies and impulses, which 
went out into active work among the poor and afflicted. Pos- 
sessing such qualities, he filled every office to which he had been 
called witii honor, ability, and fidelity. In war he was a val- 
iant soldier; in peace, a good citizen, an able and conscientious 
legislator. He loathed the gross sensualisms now so common 
and deplored that excessive luxury which commercial pros- 
perity has developed. Apart from the emphatic testimon\- of 
his friends, the slightest acquaintance with him was enough to 
show that his heart was right, full of love and sympathv, and 
that he was in full fellowship with his Maker, and that he had a 
clear vision and passionate hatred of all wrong. He never 
stooped to flatter popular prejudice. He was independent in 
his political actions, while he gave steady support, so far as they 
harmonized with his convictions, to party policy and discipline. 
Fortunately, his opinions and temper harmonized with the pro- 
gressive spirit of his constituents. The commercial, industrial, 
agricultural, and professional people rallied around him with 
their energy and self-confidence, their pride and their patriot- 
ism, to the support of a statesman whose aims were loftv and 
unselfish, whose life was pure and full of kindly feeling for all 
conditions of humanity and of tender and affectionate love for 
wife and child. He loved his adopted State with enthusiastic 
devotion. The splendor of her history, the vast extent of her 
domain, the manifold resources of her wealth, the learning of 
her jurists, the character of her people, unsurpassed for energy, 
intelligence, and hospitality, her strength, and her power. 



64 Memorial Addresses: Adolph Meyer 

His glowing patriotism was tlie spell which bound his people 
to him. His successful career is remarkable for the abnegation 
of all selfishness, the sacrifice of personal consideration to a 
sense of dutv so well performed in every station, that his 
public virtue is to be more admired than any particular act 
which he did or any particular faculty which he possessed. 
The personal popularity of General Meyer was such as might 
be expected from a man who was modest, candid, and affable 
without any pretense to genius or great superiority over his 
fellow-man. His generositv and charitv were boundless, lim- 
ited only to his means of giving. He believed that he who with- 
held his generosity until death gave nothing at all. A great 
part of his income went for the relief of the poor and for the 
support of his faith. In his religious and moral character there 
is much to admire and imitate. He was a firm believer in his 
faith, yet he was too firmly imbued with the spirit of the age 
to judge harshly of those who differed with him. But all 
forms of vice and all irreverence for religion and impuritv in 
expression were steadih- condemned. 

There was for his acceptance further preferment and higher 
reward. The world held out to him promises for greater use- 
fulness and great distinction. But how uncertain is the reali- 
zation of the hopes and rewards of an earthly career. His 
untimely death is a warning. 

But he had hopes beyond earthly jiromise. His life was one 

of continuous endeavor, and to him the promise of eternal life 

and glory, a trust in God — 

To whose eternal doom 

Must Ijend the sceptered jjotentates of earth — 

was of greater value than the flattering and ephemeral honors 

of life. He had learned from his sublime faith — 

'Tis to the vulgar death loo harsh appears. 
The ill we feel is only in our fears; 
To die is latiding on some silent shore 
Whose billows never break nor tempest roar; 
Ere well we (eel the Iriendlv stroke 'lis o'er. 



Address of Mr. McEnciy, oj Louisiana 65 

In this short sketch of General Mever I have not been bHndcd 

bv the clouds which gather round the dead, but I have given an 

impartial though an inadequate description of his character. 

He had pleasing and elegant manners, was possessed of large 

general information, and his society was much courted, and 

those who enjoyed his esteem and confidence learned that each 

dav found him prepared — 

To hold his course unfaltering while the voice 
Of truth and virtue up the steep ascent 
Of nature calls him to his high reward — 

for in his studied efforts to perfect himself he had — 

Summed the actions of the day 
Each night before he slept. 
78130 — H. Doc. I. SI 7, 60-3 s 



66 Memorial Addresses: Adolph Meyer 



Address of Mr. Clapp, of Minnesota 

Mr. President: As we advance into the years the shadows 
gather about us. One by one those of our own generation pass 
beyond. General ^Ieyer fell in the full prime of his strength 
and his achievements. His long service, faithful and successful, 
might well ha^ e been taken as a warrant of additional and still 
more valuable service and of still greater honors had his life 
been spared. There is an immutable law which decrees that 
real honor is intertwined with true achievements. Obedient in 
his very nature to that law, General Meyer combined with 
valuable ser\-ice to his country the gathering of honors to 
himself. 

It has been suggested here this afternoon that these services 
bear but little fruit unless we consider the lessons which they 
teach. The chords which reach from the living to the dead, 
while mystic, silent, and unseen, are vibrant with immortal 
truths. Of the truths thus borne to us upon this occasion I 
shall only dwell upon one, and that is the lesson of life, for 
whatever there may be of immortality, whatever there may be 
in that which lies beyond, this much is certain: This life is the 
vestibule of the life to come. 

A short time ago in this Chamber I listened to the prayer of 

one of the great divines of his age, and 1 heard these words 

fall from his lips: 

We know, O Lord, lliat Thy omnipotence is our omnipotence if we but 
Vie one with Thee. 

1 believe, sir, that to-day that sentiment would awaken a 

responsive echo in every pulpit in Christendom; and yet, simple 

as it is, it reverses the thought and the experience of ages. 

That simple statement sweeps awa\ the cobwebs of dogma and 



Address of Mr. Clapp, oj Minnesota 67 

creed that n.-ach back through the- (.-orridors of nineteen cen- 
turies to the hour when the Master in turn shook the ritualism 
of fourteen centuries with the simple statement, "The kingdom 
of heaven is within you." This reversed all that had gone 
before. This thought, sinking into human consciousness, sup- 
plants the gospel of word with the gospel of action. 

This thought takes from the old creed the constantly reiter- 
ated prohibition "Thou shalt not" and in place inserts the 
injunction "Thou shalt." It substitutes now for hereafter. In 
this concept of the Infinite, human effort becomes a factor as 
never before; while it lessens not our thought of immortality, 
it deepens our appreciation of this life and its opportunities; 
while it detracts nothing from our w'orship of the Infinite, it 
quickens our appreciation of our own powers to reach toward 
the Infinite. 

This is the difference between creeds which, barren of fruit- 
age, barren of blessings to humanity, have passed away, leaving 
that old, but new, thought of to-day, rich in its blessings, chief 
of which is the inspiration to human effort, a thought which 
brings man to a truer and a closer relation with Deity; and 
in that relationship must be found the truer relationship of 
man to man — a broadened brotherhood of man. With that 
truth sinking deeper into our consciousness, we will no longer 
"remember the dead and forget the living," but while we will 
still bring our tribute and strew flowers over the grave of the 
dead, abating nothing of our tender memory of the departed, we 
will appreciate our duty to those about us and thus reflect 
,sunlight along and strew with flowers the pathway of the living. 



68 Memorial Addresses: Adolpli Meyer 



Address of Mr. Perkins, of California 

Mr. President: The Congress of the United States lost a most 
useful Member in the death of Representative Adolph Meyer, 
and the State of Louisiana a most faithful servant. States 
which send here men of the high character and great ability 
that he possessed have reason to be proud, and Louisiana full\' 
appreciated the worth of her distinguished son. In all posi- 
tions which he occupied — in the army, in agricultural pursuits, 
and in business enterprises — he exhibited those great qualities 
of sincerity and unselfishness which endeared him to all who 
knew him. These qualities quickly caused him to occupy a 
prominent position when he was first elected one of the Repre- 
sentatives of Louisiana in the Fifty-second Congress, and he 
added materially to the strength of that State's delegation in 
the House until his death. 

For several years he was the ranking member of the Com- 
mittee on Naval Affairs of the House, and as members of con- 
ference committees on naval bills we became well acquainted, 
and that intimate knowledge of him thus gained e.xcited in me 
admiration for his ability and profound respect for his charac- 
ter. He was always most courteous and conciliatory in the 
consideration of the most vexed questions which arose in the 
consideration of naval questions in conference connnittee, and 
at all times showed himself to be most earnest and energetic in 
the work of building up a great navy. 

When he first took his seat in Congress we had launched only 
one battle ship, the first Maitic, whose destruction in the harbor 
of Habana was the immediate cause of the vSijanish-American 
war. We had authorized construction amounting to only 
$43,000,000, and the total cost of the entire naval establishment 



Address of Mr. Perkins, oj California 69 

for the year 1S91 was only $25,000,000. The enlisted force of 
the navy at that time was only 8,250 men, whose pay amounted 
to S7 300,000. Since that time our navy as it stands to-day, 
the second in the world in point of fighting strength, has been 
built up. What went before was simply the establishment of 
the foundation. 

Mr. Meyer voted for the authorization of practically all but 
4 of our 31 battle ships, for all of our 12 armored cruisers, for 
most of our large fleet of protected cruisers, gunboats, and so 
forth, for all of which we have up to this time appropriated 
$344,904,298, of which he voted for over $300,000,000. The 
total vearlv cost of the entire naval establishment has grown 
from $25,000,000 to $129,000,000 for the fiscal year of 1908. 
The number of enlisted men has increased from 8,250 to 44,500 
and their pav to $30,000,000. As we became Members of Con- 
gress at about the same time. Representative Meyer and I have 
voted in favor of the bills which have made our navy wliat it is 
to-day. I found in him the same earnest endeavor to create 
a strong naval force that I myself had, and which prevailed 
among the Naval Committees of the two Houses. 

At the time of the Spanish-American war no one was more 
active and energetic in all that related to naval affairs than Rep- 
resentative Mey'ER, and he was always ready to cooperate for 
the best interests of the service and of the Nation. In one 
of the debates on the naval bill in the House Representative 
Meyer expressed his attitude toward this important arm of the 
public serA'ice thus: 

I do not think the navy a subject for partisan discussion. It is one to 
lift a man above the rancor of a partisan. I should be very sorry to believe 
that the American people are willing to have the subject of the navy con- 
sidered in this way. In my ser\'ice on the Naval Committee I, together 
with my Democratic colleagues, have ever held this object of preparing 
the navy for national defense above party, and sought beyond party to 
develop our strength to the highest degree commensurate with our great- 
ness and safety. I believe that now is the time to build up our navy. I 



70 Memorial Addresses: Adolpli Meyer 

ask the House to give it careful, patriotic consideration, and, in the words 
of Lawrence, who in Boston Harbor fought his glorious fight, as he fell, 
maintaining the honor of his country, "Don't give up the ship!" 

These are the sentiments of every loyal American, and have 
inspired the efforts of all the members of the Xaval Committees 
of both Houses in their work of upbuilding the navv. They are 
the sentiments which animate both committees to-dav, and I 
know that the words of the late honored Representative from 
Louisiana will inspire all future committees in the great work 
which they will have to do. 

We have just seen return to the port from which it sailed over 
a year ago the most powerful fleet of war vessels which has 
ever made an extended voyage, and this one has carried the 
American flag around the world on a course aggregating 42,000 
miles. Not one of the 16 battle ships was in the ser\ice at the 
outbreak of the Spanish-American war. In fact, onlv two had 
then been launched, and that hardly a month before the out- 
break of hostilities. This great modern fleet is nearly five times 
greater in displacement than was our fighting force in Cuban 
waters, while the offensive power — the weight of metal that can 
be fired in a given time — has increased 2,000 per cent, and in 
striking force the broadsides of the Atlantic Fleet are thirty 
times that of the fleet which destroyed the vSpanish vessels. 
Besides this, the marksmanship has increased from an average 
of 5 per cent of hits at the battle of Santiago to about 70 per cent 
as developed by the practice of the fleet which has just made 
the circuit of the globe, and the tremendous power which resides 
in our fleet of modern battle ships will be used, should there be 
occasion, with the same resistless energy which has always 
characterized our engagements on the sea, and in time of vic- 
tory will be held in check in accordance with the humanitarian 
spirit which actuates the bravest men whose calling is to fight 
upon the ocean, and which called forth the command of Capt. 
Jack Philip when Cer\-era's ships had been riddled and had 



Address of My. Perkins, of California 71 

been run ashore: ■Don't fire, boys. Don't you see the poor 
fellows are drowning?" 

The victory won, mercy took the place of battle furv, and the 
spirit of peace went abroad beneath the clouds of smoke from 
hostile guns. Such has always been the American Navv, and 
such it will always be; and for such the man whom we honor 
here to-day always exerted his strongest efforts. With such 
men in the councils of the nation, and such men on the decks of 
our battle ships, the Republic need have no apprehension as to 
a foreign foe. 

No one would have been more enthusiastic at the record made 
by the Atlantic Fleet, which has just returned from its world- 
encircling cruise, than Representative Meyer were he alive to- 
day. No one would appreciate more than he the value of the 
lessons learned, the experience gained, and the vast increase 
given to the efficiency of our sea-fighting force through this year's 
training that it has received. Officers and men are more fit for 
any duty on the ocean, and problems that twehe months ago 
would have sorely troubled them have now been solved. The 
year's cruise has demonstrated that no navy in the world is the 
superior of our own. It has shown that no better warships are 
afloat than ours, which fact is due to the ability of our designers 
and to the skill and faithful workmanship of our mechanics. 
No machinery has ever better stood the test of use; no vessels 
ever proved more seaworthy. 

And, above all, the men of the fleet have, by their discipline 
and manliness exhibited in the four quarters of the globe, won 
the profound respect of all nations. They have exhibited the 
characteristics which have made, and which will always make, 
the men of the American Navy the best who ever trod the decks 
of a man-of-war — self-confidence, self-respect, intense loyalty to 
the flag, a spirit of self-sacrifice, and a bravery which knows no 
fear. Officers and men of the Atlantic Fleet have, bv the exhi- 



72 Memorial Addresses: Adolph Meyer 

bition of these qualities, quadrupled the effectiveness of the 
American Navy, for the world knows now and knows it thor- 
oughly that the American flag floats above fighters whose ideal 
is John Paul Jones and whose example thev will follow in time 
of stress. The immortal words, " I have not begun to fight vet," 
will be their inspiration, and men so inspired can never be de- 
feated. Such is the navy that Representative JMeyer assisted 
in creating, and his work is the most important that Members 
of this body can perform, for it creates the strongest assurances 
of peace that the Nation can possess. 



Address of My. Gallinger, of New Hampshire 73 



Address of Mr. Galunger, of New HAMFsmRE 

Mr. PresidknT: Others who knew him Ix-Uer than I, have 
spoken and will speak of the public ser\'ices of the distinguished 
man whose memory we all cherish. Mine will be but a few- 
words of heartfelt appreciation. 

Adolph Meyer entered the House of Representatives at the 
same time that I became a ^Member of this body, and he was 
honored with eight successive elections, representing the dis- 
trict in which New Orleans, his home city, is a part. It was 
my privilege to become acquainted with him shortly after he 
entered Congress, and I soon learned to highly value his friend- 
ship. He was a man of large business capacity, belonging to the 
class of men who have built uj) the great industrial and com- 
mercial interests of our country. He was a dilligent legislator, 
among other things, taking a great interest and pride in matters 
pertaining to the navy, serving with distinction on the Com- 
mittee on Naval Affairs. 

General Meyer was a courtly man — dignified and self-poised 
under all circumstances. Neither the trappings and follies of 
ostentatious display nor the common and vulgar things of life 
appealed to him. He was a genuine knight, with lofty views 
and pure ambitions, devoted to his friends, and true to the ideals 
that distinguish the high-minded and honorable pubhc serv-ant. 

He was a genial and lovable man, always acting the part of a 
gentleman of the old school. Courteous, companionable, and 
sincere, it was a pleasure and deUght to meet him, and the 
memory of his gracious and gentle qualities will long remain with 
those of us who were privileged to know him. His life was a 
useful and valuable one, and in his death the State of Louisiana 
and the Nation sustained a great loss. 



74 Memorial Addresses: Adolph Meyer 

Mr. President, it has been said that ' ' the tomb is but the gate- 
way to an eternity of opportunity." If that be so, death is 
robbed of its terrors, and the future Ufe is to be welcomed rather 
than dreaded. If that be so, we can think of our departed 
friend as having simply passed out of mortal sight to enter upon 
a higher and happier life beyond. We miss his genial presence 
here, but his memory will be a benediction and a blessing to the 
community in which he lived and to the larger constituency 
which, as a public man, he represented with rare fidelity and 
ability. 

Such men are needed in our national life, and their loss can 
not be overestimated. But the inevitable fiat came to him, as 
it will, sooner or later, come to all of us, and fortunate, indeed, 
will it be if, when the summons comes, we are as well prepared 
to meet the change as was he of whom we speak to-day. 

Mr. President, if our faith in the future life is well founded, 
how beautifully appropriate are the lines of Rudyard Kipling: 

When earth's last picture is painted, 

And the tubes are twisted and dried 
When tlie oldest colors have faded, 

And the youngest critic has died. 
We shall rest — and, faith, we shall need it — 

Lie down for an aeon or two, 
Till the Master of all good workmen 

Shall set us to work anew! 

And those that were good shall be happy, 

They shall sit in a golden chair; 
They shall splash at a ten-league canvas 

With brushes of comet.s' hair; 
They shall find real saints to draw from — 

Magdalene, Peter, and Paul; 
They shall work for an age at a sitting 

And never get tired at all! 
And only the Master shall praise us, 

And only the Master shall blame; 
And no one shall work for money, 

And no one shall work for fame; 
But each for the joy of the working. 

And each to his separate star. 
Shall draw the thing as he sees it 

For the God of things as they are. 



Address of Mr. Gallinger, of New Hampshire 75 

And so I will conteiU myself by placing this simple wreath of 
affectionate remembrance on the grave of my departed friend, 
whose memory wall be an inspiration to all who kiie-w him, and 
whose life work points us to high ideals and noble purposes. 
"May he rest in peace." 



-6 Memorial Addresses: Adolph Meyer 



Address of Mr. Foster, of Louisiana 

Mr. President: Twice within the year just ended death 
has called from Congress a Representative from the State of 
Louisiana. 

On each occasion it was the dean of the delegation to be sum- 
moned, and while in an elective body which renews its member- 
ship every two years rank does not always mean long tenure, 
yet in these instances two Members of unusual length of service 
went to their reward. 

In the case of Gen. Adolph Meyer, of the First District, but 
three of his party then in Congress could claim a longer period 
of membership in the House. 

General Meyer was born at Natchez, Miss., on the banks of 
the Father of Waters, sixty-five years ago. It would seem that 
fate decreed all the activities of his life, private and public, should 
center about the mighty river which cleaves this continent as it 
flows, unceasing, to the sea. 

Whether as a boy upon its banks; as a planter behind the 
barriers built to keep out the annual flood that sweeps down 
like the torrent of the Nile; whether as a factor in New Orleans 
and the consignee of argosies freighted with the staples that line 
its shores, his name and labors are inseparably connected with 
the great stream; and his crowning public service in Congress 
was his effort to create a naval station and a haven at its mouth, 
where not only vessels of war, but those of peace, from the seven 
seas might come and make repair. 

He received a careful early training, and being of a refined, 
studious nature, with the means to indulge any bent, it seems 



Address of Mr. Foster, of Louisiana 77 

but natural that in the selection of a life work his preference 
should have been the law. The bar of Natchez in that day was 
famous. Sergeant S. Prentiss was his fellow- townsman, and 
the meteoric career of that great man could not fail to impress 
and fire to emulation an ambitious youth. 

With the purpose of perfecting hinisell fur a career at the bar 
young Meyer matriculated at the University of Virginia at the 
age of 18. He was an apt student, and, with the earnestness 
and thoroughness that remained his most noble attributes until 
the end, was preparing at the institution founded by the immortal 
Jefferson for the battle of life when the tocsin of war in reality 
sounded. 

Exchanging the classic shades of the academy for the camp, 
he displayed soldierly qualities of a high order. He was early 
promoted to the rank of captain, and given an important staff 
assignment; and at the close of the war held the post of 
assistant adjutant-general under Gen. John S. Williams, of Ken- 
tucky. The mettle he displayed as a soldier was illustrated years 
afterwards, when war was declared between this country and 
Spain. His old commander, in indorsing him for one of the 
commands of the volunteer forces, wrote to President McKinley 
as follows : 

He was preeminent fur soldierly qualities, the loftiest courage, fidelity, 
and endurance. In fact, he seemed a natural-born soldier, and C(mimanded 
the confidence and admiration of the entire command. 

The Senate is familiar with the fate of the confederate soldier, 
when, bowing to the arbitrament of war. he returned home. 
Manv of that gallant host were subsequently sent to Congress 
by a grateful people, and on occasions like this their valor, 
fortitude, and privations have been so often and eloquently told 
that they need be but referred to now. 

When the young captain returned to Natchez after the unetpial 
struggle, it was to ]iut behind him all dreams of preferment at 



78. Memorial Addresses: Adolph Meyer 

the bar, to cross over the great river into Concordia Parish, La., 
and begin life anew as a cotton planter. 

While thus engaged he acquired much practical knowledge 
of the levee system and other needs of the alluvial countrv 
that was subsequently used here to the advantage of his State. 
He was by temperament, however, adapted to and longed for 
an urban rather than a country life, and after a few vears of 
planting moved to New Orleans and engaged in the cotton 
factorage and commission business. 

Those were stirring times in Louisiana. It was the period of 
reconstruction, and a condition frequently existed amounting to 
civil war. It was a time of peril, especially to the white people 
living in the outlying districts, and their chief reliance lav in their 
militia. 

While this condition prevailed, General Meyer was called 
upon, by reason of his experience in the confederate army, to 
reorganize the state troops, and under his command the Louisi- 
ana Militia became efficient to a high degree. 

In 1890 he was elected a Representative to Congress, and at 
once demonstrated a peculiar fitness for the place. He was 
ever watchful of the interests of his State, painstaking and 
energetic in his efforts to serve his people, and broad and liberal 
in his treatment of all public questions. He was at all times 
affable and easy of approach and ever ready to listen to the 
appeal of the humblest as well as the highest who might seek 
his aid or counsel. 

These qualities in time became proverbial, not onlv in his own 
district, but throughout the State. He thus established a place 
for himself in the confidence and esteem of the people, and was 
renominated and reelected practically without opposition during 
his long service in the other branch of Congress. 

His career in that body as one of the hardest workers and 
leaders of his party is familiar to most Senators. While making 



Address of Mr. Foster, of Louisiana 79 

no pretense at rhetorical effect, he gave to every subject dis- 
cussed the thorough consideration of the student, and when he 
addressed the House his speeches were noted for their thought 
and Hterary excellence. 

His best work, however, was done in council — in committee — 
where his prudence, fairness, conser\'atism, and wisdom were 
earlv recognized and highly valued to the end. 

On entering upon his duties in the House he was assigned to 
the Committee on Naval Affairs, and he was the oldest-ranking 
member at the time of death. When he became a Member there 
was not a battle ship on the naval list, and our tonnage was less 
than one-quarter of what it is to-day. Xo one labored more in- 
dustriously to have our sea force_^row and wax strong, and in 
the language of the chairman of the House committee: 

General Meyer can rightfully be called one 'of the legislative builders 
of the new navy, because during the seventeen years of his service upon 
the committee more than three-fourths of the new American navy has 
been built 

But it is with the naval station at Algiers that his name will 
be most enduringly connected. His efforts in the House in con- 
junction with the labors of the senior Senator from our State in 
this Chamber resulted in the establishment of a floating dock 
where the largest ships may be repaired. More than a million 
six hundred thousand dollars have already been expended on this 
great work, and while not vet completed, it stands a monument 
to his foresight, persistency, and untiring zeal. 

So likewise must his name be connected with much other 
notable legislation affecting his district and State. He labored 
for years to secure the completion of the shaft which marks the 
field of Chalmette, just below New Orleans, where General Jack- 
son won his immortal victory over the British legions fresh from 
their laurels at Waterloo. 

He was ever active in securing the needed appropriations for 
his State. With his colleagues he worked assiduouslv and 



8o Memorial Addresses: Adolph Meyer 

successfully to obtain the necessary funds for the building and 
maintenance of our levees; for deepening and widening the 
mouth of the Mississippi River; for the retention in active oper- 
ation of the United States mint; for the construction of the 
post-office building in his city; and for the river improvements 
in front of New Orleans — all works of vast importance to the 
general public. 

His efforts, however, were by no means confined to Louisiana. 
He was connected with the Committee on District Affairs almost 
as long as he serv^ed on the Naval Committee, and labored as 
zealously to make this the most beautiful capital in the world 
as he did to restore the American flag to its proud position on 
the sea. 

Personally, General Meyer had many charms and attractions. 
He was always kind, gentle, and considerate in his dailv asso- 
ciations, a loyal and stalwart friend, and never forgot a kind- 
ness. He was a devoted husband, a kind parent, and affection- 
ate brother; ever bright, cheerful, and thoughtful of the happi- 
ness of each and every one in the familv circle, and never per- 
mitted the duties of his public life to mar or distract the har- 
mony and happiness of his home. 

Few men have sacrificed at the altar of public service more 
liberally than he. To give the best that was in him to the 
State, with an unstinted hand, and keep no reckoning; to labor 
in the public vineyard from the early morn of life until an end 
that came just as twilight greeted the evening star; to ser\e in 
camp or council as chance and duty might decree, and then to 
lie down to rest with the consciousness of work well and faith- 
fully performed is a record of which Louisiana is justly proud- 



o 



,-V!j^iWJj\2iiSii 



^^^^^^^liil 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



013 789 002 1 « 



